William Reginald “Bill” Abbati

Civilian Life - Bill Abbati was educated at the Lower School of John Lyon School, Harrow, before entering University College London in 1912. He passed both the College Engineering Matriculation and the University Matriculation examinations in January 1913 with the intention of studying engineering. However, he was forced to discontinue his studies later that year because of poor eyesight. He remained unmarried and had no children.

Military Life - Although his eyesight had interrupted his education, Abbati was a member of the University Officers' Training Corps and applied for a commission only days after the outbreak of the First World War. In September 1914 he enlisted in the London Scottish as a private and, approximately three months later, was gazetted as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, Essex Regiment. He was posted to Harwich and did not serve overseas.

During his service he contracted bronchitis. After a partial recovery he returned to duty, but later suffered a relapse which developed into septic poisoning of the lung. His health continued to deteriorate, and he relinquished his commission on medical grounds in April 1916. He died at the Osborne Convalescent Home for Officers on the Isle of Wight on 9 August 1916, according to the University College London and cemetery records, although some sources record 7 August 1916. He was buried at Cowes (Kingston) Cemetery. The University College records state that he never reached the Front and that his death resulted from illness rather than wounds received in action.