I saw your message Warren and did a quick search of The Times newspapers. Two references come up for J.H. Abbott as follows. Charities, &c.. The Times (London, England), Tuesday, Jul 30, 1907; pg. 16; Issue 38398. (6070 words) This refers to an advertisement he placed: "opportunity for Gentlemen's sons - Farming in India" it says he was considering opening out a new farm in Central Provinces by purchasing and leasing many thousands of acres of cultivated and forest land. He was looking for apprentices. The other reference is: The Indian Domiciled Community.. The Times (London, England), Tuesday, Aug 20, 1912; pg. 3; Issue 39982. (1003 words) With the headline "The Indian Domiciled Community. Regiment to be Formed" "....in the present instance Mr. Abbott has taken steps to receive the names of suitable persons willing to recruit and the Government of India now see their way as an experiment to raise an "Anglo-Indian" regiment of 500 men...." I'm sure with further investigation you will find the reason behind him being awarded the O.B.E., but my guess is something to do with the forming and development of the "Anglo-Indian" regiment. Most libraries have access to The Times, and other online newspapers. Best wishes Liz