Rev. Paul Robert Carrington Abram

Paul Robert Carrington Abram (21 July 1936 – 28 September 2023) was a British Anglican priest whose forty-year ministry ranged from parachuting with Airborne troops as the British Army's celebrated "parachuting padre" to serving Elizabeth II as Chaplain and priest-in-charge of the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula in the Tower of London. A preacher and pastor, he combined a field ministry with parish, maritime and royal chaplaincies, and in 2007 was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order for personal services to the Sovereign.

Early life and education Abram was born in York, the eldest of five children of the Revd Robert Abram, an Army chaplain, and his wife, Margaret. Wartime postings took the family to Egypt, Aldershot and Germany, giving him a peripatetic childhood. He first attended Hymers College, Hull, aged nine and, after further schooling abroad, returned there in 1954 to complete his A-levels, becoming head of Brandesburton House and an under-officer in the Combined Cadet Force.

Career Abram served his title post as Assistant Curate of Christ Church, Redcar (1962–65). In May 1965, he rejoined the Army as a Chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class, beginning a 24-year career with the Royal Army Chaplains' Department. Concurrently, he was chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers (1989–2000) and its successor charity (2000–23), ministering to crews in South-West ports.

Personal life Abram married Joanna (“Jo”) Thompson at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 1961; the couple had four daughters.

Honours Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO), 2007 Birthday Honours, for personal services to the Sovereign.