Personal Details

Born: In 1881 in Prees, Shropshire and baptised on 7 August 1881 in Prees Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of four children of Vere Francis John Somerset, gentleman, and his wife Annette Catherine. No marriage can be traced for Claud.

Residence: From the time of his baptism until at least 1891 he lived with his family at The Hall, Church Street, Prees. Census records after 1891 cannot be located; however, passenger lists indicate that Claud travelled to South Africa at least twice between 1901 and 1912. In 1925 he travelled to Australia (his departure address was 12 Park Village West, Regent’s Park, London) and Australian Census records indicate him living with his brother Charles (and Charles’ wife Doris Amy) at Ferndale, Balingup, Forrest, Western Australia.

Employment: When he left the UK in 1925 he was a merchant; in Australia he farmed with his brother.

Died: 13 March 1942 in Western Australia and was buried the same year in Balingup cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: South African Native Labour Corps

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: Before 29 September 1917

Date of Discharge: After 15 October 1917

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Claud served in the Imperial Yeomanry (number 1102) between 15 January 1900 and 16 June 1901, including serving in the Boer War. The only WW1 military records which survive relate to a period of hospitalisation in 1917.