He was 21 years old, and a sergeant in the 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

Later on, he advanced into the open under heavy fire and held back the enemy by throwing bombs into their flank until a barricade had been established.

[1] In a letter to his father, Somers wrote: He had previously been severely wounded during the Retreat from Mons in August 1914.

He died on 7 May 1918 (aged 24) leaving behind his parents, wife and son, and was buried with full military honours in Modreeny Church of Ireland cemetery.

His Union Jack-draped coffin was carried on a gun carriage, led by the Pipe Band of the Cameron Highlanders.