Abraham enlisted into the Medical Staff Corps on 13th February 1896. He was 18 years and 9 months old; was a gardener by trade, and was living in St Sidwell, Exeter at the time. Before the war he had served in Crete and in Malta from 25th September 1907 to 30th September 1912. He also saw active service during the South African war 1900 -1901. On 23rd May 1903, he was granted extended service to complete an extra 12 years. At the outbreak of war, he reported for duty to serve with No 10 Stationary Hospital on 5th August 1914, and entered the war with the unit on the 15th. He left the unit on 17th May 1915, when he was sent to the Base due to sickness. Abraham served on the Western Front throught the war. He was discharged having completed his second period of engagement with the Colours. He was the son of Robert Brownwell of 9 Russell Street, Exeter.