[2] For the six months before he started with Howell on the race to Australia, Fraser had been employed by Rolls-Royce Ltd, during which time he had become familiar with engines of the type fitted in the plane in which he was to compete.
[2] In August 1919 the British aircraft manufacturer Martinsyde Ltd invited Australian flying ace Captain Cedric Howell to pilot their Type A Mk.I in the forthcoming England to Australia air race.
As a qualified navigator and a mechanic familiar with the Rolls-Royce engine fitted to the plane, Fraser was selected to accompany Captain Howell.
Having departed from Taranto on the next stage of the flight, Howell's and Fraser's aircraft made a forced landing St George's Bay, Corfu.
It was initially falsely reported, in telegram received by William Fraser, that his brother had been rescued and had arrived safely in Athens.