Lives of the First World War

Sapper Marcus Claude Abbott by Sue Baker Wilson, QSM, via 'New Zealand Tunnelling Company' Facebook page. Date of Birth: 1889 – Date of Death: 31/03/1918 New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Engineers, Service #37596 One hundred years ago today, 37596 Sapper Marcus Claude Abbott was the first New Zealand Tunnelling Company soldier to be killed during the German Spring Offensive. Sapper Abbott had worked as a West Coast miner before volunteering and joining the Tunnelling Company 4th Reinforcements. His father and mother were Edmond and Elizabeth Abbott. In 1921, Sapper Abbott’s medals, plaque and scroll were sent from New Zealand to his parents’ home at 11, Ravenswood Rd., Walthamstow, Essex, England. Sapper Marcus Claude Abbott was buried at Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras. He would be the last New Zealand Tunneller to be buried here. Extract from the New Zealand Tunnelling Company Unit Diary: 31-3-18 On Telegraph Hill M15 b 6.2 to M.10 b 9.3., Sheet 51c., men were employed clearing reserve line, fixing shelters, & clearing communication trenches. One sapper of No. 4. Sec. was killed and a Sergt. and 2 other Sappers wounded by shellfire. On the Dainville Line from Wailly Road, North, to R 11 b 2.2. work consisted in cutting a reserve trench. The weather was much finer than on previous day. Work on excavation for mines progressing satisfactorily.

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