William N Abbott
Melbourne University Boat Club (VIC)
Born 10 March 1988 in Bendigo Victoria and died on 4 Jan 1968 in Auckland, New Zealand. He was educated at Melbourne University as a doctor.
1908 - Intercollegiate Boat Race, Queens College, Men's Eight, three seat - First
1909 - Intercollegiate Boat Race, Queens College, Men's Eight, five seat - First
1910 - Intercollegiate Boat Race, Queens College, Men's Eight, five seat - First
1910 - University Championships, Men's Eight, five seat - Third
1908 - Intercollegiate Boat Race, Queens College, Men's Eight, five seat - First
William Norman Abbott was a medical practitioner who enlisted in the New Zealand Army. It appears that he was working at the General Hospital in Auckland at the time of enlisted as his address was given as the hospital.
He served with distinction finishing the war with the rank of Major.
He also was awarded the Military Cross in 1917 for gallantry in the field. He was untiring in his efforts in attending to the wounded under heavy fire during an attack. He worked for 72 hours without rest and set a magnificent example to all.
Steve Roll and Andrew Guerin
June 2021
Sources:
The Victorian Oarsman by John Lang 1919
Archives New Zealand - digitised military records. Title: ABBOTT, William Norman - WWI 3/382 - Army, Archway Item ID:R122280551, Archway Series Number:18805