Bruce Fraser (civil servant) facts for kids

Sir Bruce Donald Fraser (born November 18, 1910 – died August 22, 1993) was an important Scottish civil servant in the United Kingdom. A civil servant is someone who works for the government, helping to run the country. He is best known for updating a famous book that teaches people how to write clearly.

Life and Career of Bruce Fraser

Bruce Fraser was born on November 18, 1910. He went to Bedford School and then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. After finishing his education, he began a long career working for the government.

Working for the Government

Bruce Fraser worked in many different government departments. He started in the Scottish Office in 1933. Then he moved to HM Treasury in 1936, where he stayed for many years until 1960.

After that, he worked in several other important places:

• The Ministry of Aviation in 1960.
• The Ministry of Health from 1960 to 1964.
• The Department of Education and Science from 1964 to 1965.
• The Ministry of Land and Natural Resources from 1965 to 1966.

He finished his career as the Comptroller and Auditor General. This role meant he was in charge of checking how the government spent its money. He held this important job from 1966 to 1971. The office he led is now called the National Audit Office.

International Work

From 1966 to 1968, Bruce Fraser also worked as an External Auditor for the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This organization helps set rules for ships and shipping around the world. It used to be known as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO).

Revising The Complete Plain Words

Bruce Fraser is probably most famous for updating a classic book called The Complete Plain Words. This book was originally written by Sir Ernest Gowers. Its main goal was to teach government officials and other people how to write clearly and simply.

Why the Book Needed Updating

By the early 1970s, the way people spoke and wrote had changed a lot since Gowers first wrote the book. The publisher, HMSO, felt it was important to create an updated version. Even though some people didn't want to change a classic, an update was needed.

Fraser's Contribution

Many people agreed that Fraser did a great job with the update. His writing style was strong and clear, just like Gowers'. Both versions of the book can be read for enjoyment as well as for learning. Fraser made the book more lively by including funny examples of confusing or poorly written sentences.

Funny Examples of Confusing Sentences

Here are some of the amusing examples Fraser included in the book:

• I have discussed the question of stocking the proposed poultry plant with my colleagues.
• Bulletin No. 160 on Housing of Pigs from Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
• Authority is given for you to proceed and gas, preferably yourself.
• It was here that the Emperor liked to put on his grand alfresco spectacles.
• Nothing is less likely to appeal to a young woman than the opinions of old men on the pill.
• People in the South East keep their teeth longer than people in the North.
• Prices of different models vary and you should take the advice of an expert on the make.
• Ladies who have kindly undertaken to act as school crossing wardens are reminded again that if they attempt to carry out their duties without their clothing on motorists are unlikely to take notice of them.

Fraser wisely added that we shouldn't be too critical of these sentences. He said they are careless, but they also add some fun to life. He suggested that only someone who has never made such a mistake should criticize them. He also noted that in 1973, official writing guides didn't focus on using gender-neutral language. This became a much bigger topic in later editions of the book.

Later Editions

Eventually, Fraser's edition of Plain Words also became a bit outdated. In 1986, two academics completely revised it again. This newer version is still very helpful for learning, but perhaps not as fun to read as Fraser's.

Honours and Awards

Bruce Fraser received several important honours during his life:

• He became a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1956.
• He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 1961. This honour meant he could use "Sir" before his name.