The son of Major-General Herbert Edward Stacy Abbott, he was born in British India at Alipore.
He was educated at Elizabeth College, Guernsey, before attending the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.
[1] He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in January 1896 for his actions with the Chitral Relief Force,[2] and was later promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1901.
[1] He was re-employed in 1909 as War Office Inspector of Territorial Buildings and was placed in charge of the Duke of York's Headquarters in Chelsea.
[1] His only son was killed in action during the First World War, during which Abbott served in London on special duties.