For today's #MuseumFromHome: another of our #LocalHeroes, Corporal Harold Abraham, MM.
Harold had been a Signaller in the Royal Engineers British Territorial Forces since 1911. When war broke out, his job at B.I. Cables was a reserved occupation so he was exempt from enlisting.

In 1916, Harold made the change from Territorial Forces to the 55th West Lancashire Division Signal Corps, Royal Engineers. After additional training at Canterbury, illustrated by the postcard below, he was posted to France. The back helpfully lists everyone. #RoyalEngineers

During his service he and two comrades were billeted with a French family (they don't seem to look too pleased about being photographed!). The doorway of the house is marked to indicate that it was hosting 3 members of the Signal Corps, Royal Engineers. (Harold is on the right)

Harold was shot in the right shoulder, and honourably discharged as he was no longer fit for active duty. His family were notified by this letter. His discharge papers detail his service and give further insight into his role, listed as Field Line Telegraphist.

Harold was awarded the Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, presented here along with the matching ribbon bar.

Once he had convalesced, he returned to complete his apprenticeship at B.I. Cables in the Design department.

He went on to marry and had two daughters, Mavis and Ruth, both key members of Prescot Historic Society.

#MuseumFromHome #PrescotMuseum #KirkbyGallery #WWI #BICC