Broughton ABBOTT

'Burnley News' 1 August 1917

(Kindly supplied by Robert S. Richardson)

NELSON "REGULAR'S" DEATH FROM WOUNDS

IN MANY BATTLES

Pte. Broughton Abbott, the youngest of three soldier sons of Mr. and Mrs, Abbott of 12, Waterworth-street, Nelson, is officially reported to have died in hospital on the 26th inst. Deceased, who is 25 years of age, had served in the Army seven years, being latterly in the 1st Lancashire Fusiliers. When the war broke out he was in India, and he returned to this country in November, 1914. He was immediately drafted on active service, and he went through the Dardanelles campaign. He was wounded by gunshot in the legs at Suvla Bay, and afterwards was in hospital at Malta, suffering from frostbite. He was sent to a convalescent home in England, and after twelve months' home service, he was drafted to France, only five weeks ago. Before he joined the Army Pte. Broughton Abbott was employed in the warehouse at Messrs. D. Tattersall's George-street Mill.

Official intimation of his death reached the family on Sunday. A week previously they were notified that he had been admitted to hospital, and was dangerously ill. A nursing sister wrote as follows to Mrs. Abbott, under date of the 21st July:- "I regret very much to inform you that your son, 7397, Pte. Abbott, is lying dangerously ill in this hospital, suffering from wounds in both legs. The right leg has been amputated above the knee. He is getting on as well as possible, but it will be a few days before there can possibly be any improvement in his condition, and at present I feel very anxious about him. He is having every attention and care here, and no effort will be spared to help his recovery. I will write to you in a few days. - Yours sincerely, M.W. Langlands, Sister."

A second letter, dated the 27th ult., was as follows: "Dear Mrs. Abbott, - I cannot express to you how very grieved I am about the death of your son. Since his admission here he has been most awfully ill, and though everything possible was done for him, he gradually became worse, and died after being a week in hospital. Though I knew there was a very small chance of his recovery, I always hoped he would get better. He was so bright and cheerful, and seemed to think himself he would recover. He had been through so much in this war. He thought of you all at home, and I think he was very disappointed that he did not get to England, but, of course, that was impossible. He was much too ill to travel. I am very sorry to send you this sad news. Please accept my very sincere sympathy. - Believe me, yours sincerely, M.W. Langlands, Sister."

Pte. Abbott's father served in the old Burnley Militia 40 years ago. Deceased's brother, Private Albert Abbott (40), Rifle Brigade, is now in Egypt, and Private Thomas Abbott (30), is serving in the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. Thirteen cousins, a brother-in-law, and one nephew are in the Army. Two nephews of Mrs. Abbott have been killed, and another seriously wounded.