adrianjohn Posted 7 May , 2013 Share Posted 7 May , 2013 I'm trying to track down Captain Alexander Walter Abbey. The only dates I have for him are 1909 to 1919. I know that he was employed by Rio Tinto. This has to be the vaguest request for information, but I've tried the National Archives and the British Newspaper Library as well as the London Gazette with no success. He is buried in Bilbao, Spain. TIA Adrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBrook Posted 7 May , 2013 Share Posted 7 May , 2013 This appears to be your man. Originally New Zealand Engineers, Distinguished Conduct Medal and Military Cross. There is an MIC for him on Ancestry and a Mention in Despatches card. He was commissioned from the ranks. http://www.london-ga...upplements/8844 http://www.london-ga.../supplements/23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Owl Posted 7 May , 2013 Share Posted 7 May , 2013 Harry is correct. A.W.Abbey was commisssioned into the R.E. from the N.Z.E. as 2/Lt on 26/11/16 and promoted Lieut. on 26/5/18 and is noted as having the M.C. and D.C.M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrianjohn Posted 8 May , 2013 Author Share Posted 8 May , 2013 Amazing! The knowledge of members of the Forum and their ability to ferret out facts and information that eludes us sometimes is quite something. Thanks Harry and Old Owl. Much appreciated. Adrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBrook Posted 8 May , 2013 Share Posted 8 May , 2013 Two Gazette entries which may be of interest - for his commissioning as a 2nd Lt. http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29840/pages/11600 and relinquished his commission on completion of service April 15th 1919, and retained the rank of Lt. http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32415/supplements/6268 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrianjohn Posted 8 May , 2013 Author Share Posted 8 May , 2013 Thanks again, Harry. I've managed to put together quite a comprehensive 'biog' of Abbey. Any ideas as to how I can find why he was awarded his M.C.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBrook Posted 8 May , 2013 Share Posted 8 May , 2013 The award of the M.C. was announced in the New Year's Honours List 1919. No specific action specified or "fighting" citation published. His name was in a list of such awards including promotions, D.S.O.s and M.C.s etc. The heading to the list of awards was published on page 13 of the above Gazette (issue 31092 of 31st December 1918) and read - "His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards for distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in France and Flanders. Dated 1st January, 1919:-" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBrook Posted 9 May , 2013 Share Posted 9 May , 2013 Which thread to reply to? The Times, Friday January 2 1925 "At a mine belonging to an English company near Bilboa a miner shot at and killed an English engineer, whose name is given as Alexander Walter Abbey. The assailant who was pursued by the police, committed suicide. - Reuter" 1911 Census - street address: Fort Burgoyne, The Red Huts, Military Quarters at Castle Hill and Broadlees, Longdon Fort, Guston, Dover. Alexander Walter Abbey 19 single, mining student, born Russia, St. Petersburg. Resident, British by parentage. There were several other mining students at this address. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrianjohn Posted 9 May , 2013 Author Share Posted 9 May , 2013 Thanks again, Harry. I hadn't realised that there was another Forum member researching Abbey. I have made contact with him and we will correspond via our emails. I had picked up the 1911 census - and the murder! Sounds like an interesting life! I really appreciate your input. Regards Adrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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