Master Cpl.Robbie Fraser must wait another 9 months before he is to stand in front of a Court Martial in Shilo. I honestly cannot understand the reasoning behind these charges nor the fact that it will have been well over two years since the accidental discharge of a weapon in a war zone. The pain and anguish felt by M Cpl Fraser is bad enough, very difficult on he and his family and indeed his comrades in arms. Why the DND has allowed this to drag out so long is totally wrong. As far as i know in speaking with people here in PEI close to him. He is still doing his duty as a soldier on a daily basis. This shows the strength and professionalism of his code of honour. If any one reading this Blog knows of a way that we can get through to the MND about this travesty then please let me know. Here is the cbc coverage for your perusal.
Date set for soldier's court martial Last Updated: Friday, January 25, 2008 | 2:31 PM AT CBC News
A date has been set for the court martial of P.E.I. soldier Master Cpl. Robbie Fraser, who is charged with manslaughter and negligent performance of duty in the death of a fellow serviceman.
Charges against Master Cpl. Robbie Fraser stem from an incident in Afghanistan in August 2006.
The charges stem from an incident in Afghanistan in August 2006, when Master Cpl. Jeff Walsh was killed on patrol.
Fraser and Walsh were on patrol on an Afghan highway. The two soldiers were reportedly travelling in the cramped confines of a G-wagon armored vehicle on a bumpy road when Fraser's gun discharged.
The court martial date has been set for Oct. 14. The case is expected to take about three weeks.
The families of both Fraser and Walsh have expressed anger over the charges.
Fraser's lawyer failed in his efforts to have the charges dropped, arguing manslaughter is a wilful act and there was no wilful act in this case.
Fraser, originally from Cornwall, P.E.I., is stationed at CFB Shilo in Manitoba.
Please show your support for this fine young soldier,who was doing his duty.
We will never forget M/Cpl Jeff Walsh and the loss of his life in this tragic manner. However as an older retired soldier I feel that he would not want his friend charged ,these tragic things happen on training exercises let alone in a war zone. God Bless him.
Before closing it will be of interest to know that Major J Adair of 2 PPCLI in Shilo is now leaving on this his third tour of duty in Afghanistan since 2002. He was in the same unit as M/Cpl Fraser in 2006 as Deputy Commander of B Company 2 PPCLI. May you and your troops have a safe tour of Duty Major.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
