In this paper, a generalized wavelet collocation operational matrix method based on Haar wavelets is proposed to solve fractional relaxation–oscillation equation arising in fluid mechanics. Contrary to wavelet operational methods accessible in the literature, we derive an explicit form for the Haar wavelet operational matrices of fractional order integration without using the block pulse functions. The properties of the Haar wavelet expansions together with operational matrix of integration are utilized to convert the problems into systems of algebraic equations with unknown coefficients. The performance of the numerical scheme is assessed and tested on specific test problems and the comparisons are given with other methods existing in the recent literature. The numerical outcomes indicate that the method yields highly accurate results and is computationally more efficient than the existing ones.