SOMER William Harris

Private W.H. Somer 1st/1st Worcester Yeomanry, embarked at Avonmouth 9th April 1915 for service with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, disembarked at Alexandria, Egypt on 24th April 1915.  Died 24th July 1915.

Source for additional information: The Yeomanry Cavalry of Worcestershire 1914 €“ 1922.

The following report appears in Berrow’s Worcester Journal, Saturday 31st July 1915:
A telegram has been received by ex-Sgt Maj Somer, Newtown Rd, Worcester that his brother, Trooper William Somer Of Worcs Yeomanry, son of the late Mr John Somer of Wadborough (who also served in the Yeomanry), has been drowned in the neighbourhood of Alexandria, from heart failure whilst bathing.  Trooper Wm Somer was a popular member of the Yeomanry.  A keen horseman, he will be remembered as a successful rider at local point to point meetings.

The following information has been researched and transcribed by Mick Wilks:
Son of the late John Somer of Wadborough, who had also served in the Yeomanry.

A veteran of the Boer War, Trooper Somer died of heart failure while swimming near Chatby Camp, Egypt.  The Upton on Severn News reported that his brother, J.H. Somer of Blackmore End Farm, Hanley Castle had been informed of his death.  Described as a keen horseman, Trooper Somer was apparently a popular member of the Yeomanry and had been a successful rider in local point to point meetings.

The Upton News later reported further details of Trooper Somer’s death as follows:
€˜€¦ It appears that he was bathing just below the camp.  He was seen to be in difficulties, and two or three people dashed to his help with a raft which was to hand.  He was very quickly pulled out of the water, and artificial respiration was tried without success.  The doctors were of the opinion that death was due to heart failure and not to drowning.  The funeral was attended by forty of the deceased friends in the regiment in addition to the Colonel and other officers.  The service was conducted by the Brigade Chaplain and the €œLast Post€ was sounded over the grave’.

Captain W.H. Wiggin of C Squadron, in a letter of sympathy to the relatives, said: €œWe have all the greatest esteem and respect for him.  He was always popular with both officers and men and he will be very much missed in the Squadron.  To me personally, it is a great loss, as I had grown to have the most complete trust in him and could always rely upon him in every way.€

The Worcester Evening News and Times reported:
A telegram has been received by ex-Sergt-Major Somer, Newtown Rd, Worcester, stating that his brother, Trooper Wm Somer, of the Worcestershire Yeomanry, has been drowned in the neighbourhood of Alexandria when crossing a river with horses.

William Somer was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

Sources: Soldiers Died in the Great War, Medal Index Card, Worcester City Museum Yeomanry Archive and the Upton on Severn News

A photograph of Trooper William Somer can be found in Berrow’s Worcester Journal Supplement, Saturday 7th August 1915, available at Worcestershire Archives.