1914 Star. With contemporary tailors dated clasp (6665 Pte W. Sommerville, 2/R Sc Fus.)

Killed-in-Action: Private William Sommerville, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, was killed-in-action on 22 October 1914, during the First Battle of Ypres, in the phase of the action fought in defence of the Belgian town of Langemarck,

Medal Verification: The medal verified per the respective 1914 Star Medal Roll of 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers (ref WO 329/2442), wherein it is shown that the recipient first disembarked in theatre of war France on 6 October 1914. In addition William was also awarded the British War & Interallied Victory Medals (Ref WO 329/990). Although entitled to a dated clasp to the 1914 Star, there is no record or evidence that a dated clasp and roses was ever issued to, or claimed by his next of kin

William Sommerville son of James Sommerville (Coal Miner Hewer) & Mary D. Sommerville, was a native of, Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, Scotland, where he was born circa 1892. William came from a large family, that included at least 7 x siblings who were still living in 1914, comprising 1 x sister, Bella Sommerville, & 6 x brothers, viz; Peter, James, John, George, Charles & Henry - the latter 2 brothers also served in the British Army in 1914, in the Cameron Highlanders (No 5542) & Highland Light Infantry (No 8645 who was Killed-in-Action in 1916) respectively. William Sommerville enlisted in the British Army sometime prior to 1914. At the start of the Great War 2/RSF was stationed overseas in Gibraltar, returning to the United Kingdom in September 1914. William Sommerville together with the rest of his battalion first entered theatre of war 'Belgium' when they disembarked at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, as part of higher formation 7th Infantry Division of the British Expeditionary Force. Barely 16 x days in theatre, Private Sommerville was Killed-in-Action on 22 October 1914 during the battle of Langemarck. At the time of his death in 1914, William's widowed mother was residing at, 73, Glebe St., Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Condition: GVF

Code: 21515