Abraham served alongside his brother Philip in the Russian battalion of the Labour Corps, as they were both Russian citizens living in Newcastle.

On Abraham's enlistment papers, the Recruiting Officer's observations mention that he would like to join the Jewish battalions in the Royal Fusiliers, but there is no mention of why this wish was not granted. During his medical examination it is noted he had an irregular heartbeat, so this may have contributed to him being sent into the Labour Corps rather than to active service, though this is speculation.