Major W H Abell 4th Middlesex Regiment
MAJOR W. H. ABELL 4TH BATTALION THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE’S OWN (MIDDLESEX REGIMENT)
School House
WILLIAM HENRY ABELL was the second son of Martin Abell, of Norton Hall, Worcestershire, Banker, and of Caroline his wife. He entered the School in 1887, went to Brasenose College, Oxford, in 1892, joined the Middlesex Regiment from the Militia in 1896, served through the South African War, for which he received the Queen’s Medal, was in charge of the Boer prisoners at St. Helena, and was promoted Major in 1912. He was killed in action at Obourg, near Mons, on August 23rd, 1914, when the Battalion was cut to pieces. Age 40. A brother Officer, who was with him at the time, wrote : “I had the opportunity, when I was taken prisoner, of seeing all our people who were wounded or died in hospital. I think you may be quite certain that he was buried on the ground that he defended and gave his life for. The men of his Company told me many tales of his bravery, but that is only what one would have expected.” He married, in July, 190s, Lilian, second daughter of J. Wright Hassall, of Leamington, and left a daughter and a son.
Source : Memorials Of Rugbeians Who Fell In The Great War Vol 1
Abell W H Major 4th Middlesex Regiment
MAJOR WILLIAM HENRY ABELL, 4th BATTN. DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE’S OWN (MIDDLESEX REGIMENT),
who was stated in the Casualty List published by the War Office in the November Army List to have been “reported killed in action,” it is believed at Obourg, near Mons, was the second son of the late Martin Abell, of Norton Hall, Worcestershire. He was born. on the 20th September, 1873, and joined the Middlesex Regiment from the Militia in December, 1896, becoming Lieutenant in October, 1899. Major Abell served in St. Helena during the South African War from March to May, receiving the Queen’s medal. From September, 1907, to March, 1908, he was an Adjutant of Volunteers, and from April, 1908, to March, 1910, an Adjutant of the Territorial Force; he was promoted to his Majority in September, 1912. Major Abell left a widow.
Source : The Bond Of Sacrifice Vol 1
Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 2