TRIBUTE BY THE REV. A.A. GREEN
Once more l have the sad task of saying a word concerning a brave man, whom I knew and respected and whose death, in action, adds another to the many tragedies which the war has inflicted upon my congregation. Stanley Abrahams was one of those soldiers whose courage and fine character give our army its great strength where it is so much needed, in the rank and file. He was distinguished in his regiment for his absolute fearlessness and utter disregard of self. As long ago as last August he performed a feat of great valour in going into danger to bring in a wounded comrade. This was at Hooge, on August 9th, and his courage was recognised by a message from the General Officer commanding the Division, Major-General Congreve. In writing home concerning it Stanley Abrahams said “I never thought that anything would be said about it. Certainly, it was a bit risky, but anyone, I am sure, would have done the same.” He was in his twenty-seventh year and was one of the heroes of his regiment. Recently, he attended one of the services held by the Rev. M. Adler, and his reference to this service, in his letters home, make me wonder whether it is generally realised what great influence Mr. Adler is able to exercise by his simple and manly work in those solemn hours when the great issues tremble in the balance. To Stanley Abrahams’ parents and to all parents who are going through this fearful ordeal of pain and anxiety and who may read these lines, I would like to say that the old wisdom writer knew the courage of the human heart when he said: “The furnace proveth the potter’s vessels”. The great effort should not be to fall behind the standard of those brave boys. They knew no fear, they desired no grief, they ask for pride as the abiding feeling.