Sapper William Edwin Abrahams, 1379, No 2 Section, 1/2nd Field Company, East Anglian Royal Engineers, died on September 2nd, 1915, from wounds sustained the previous day at Gallipoli. He had celebrated his 20th birthday on August 27th.

News of his death was sent to his remarried mother, Lilian Harrison at 6 Selbourne Road, Luton, in a letter dated September 2nd from Lieut G. M. Michaelis, commanding No 2 section.

He wrote: "I am very, very sorry to have to tell you that your son was wounded last night. We had to go out to put up a wire entanglement. A bomb was thrown at us, and a piece hit him in the shoulder. He became unconscious, and was carried to the hospital immediately.

"I went to see him this morning, but the doctor who attended to him said that although he had done all that he could the poor lad passed away in the night without regaining consciousness.

"I wish, on behalf of myself and the section, to tell you how sorry we all are, and offer you our most sincere sympathy. Our commanding officer, Major Steinmitz, also wishes this to be conveyed to you.

"I personally am very sorry to lose such a brave man from my section. He was a lad who always looked on the best side of things, however bad or uncomfortable."

Airman-mechanic Gus Healey, 2/1st E.A.R.E., later wrote to his own parents at 31 Court Road, Luton: "I wonder if it would be any consolation to his (Pte Abrahams') mother to know that a small wooden cross was made, and I had the job of writing it. I am sure it looks as neat as any cross on the Peninsular."

An old boy of Queen Square School, Sapper Abrahams worked in the stores at Vauxhall before enlisting. He was also well known in junior football, having played for Kenilworth Rovers, the Corinthians and Vauxhall.

He was the son of William George and Lilian Catherine (nee Townsend) Abrahams, who were married in early 1893. His father died in the summer of 1905, and two years later his mother remarried, her new husband being William Charles Harrison.

When Sapper Abrahams enlisted in September 1914 the family were living at 69 Park Road West, Luton.