The AIF Project

Charles William Henry Rollo SOMERSET

Regimental number479
Date of birth23 January 1895
Place of birthEsk, Queensland
Other NamesCharles William
SchoolSouthport Boys' School, Queensland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationStation hand
AddressCaboonbah, Toogoolawah, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, H P Somerset, Caboonbah, Toogoolawah, Queensland
Enlistment date30 October 1914
Place of enlistmentWondai, Queensland
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Light Horse Regiment, A Squadron
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/10/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A34 Persic on 21 December 1914
Regimental number from Nominal RollComissioned
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: 1st Battalion
Promotion date: 12 March 1916

Lieutenant


Unit: 1st Battalion
Promotion date: 12 August 1916

Captain


Unit: 1st Battalion
Promotion date: 3 July 1917

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31089 (31 December 1918); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 (23 May 1919).

FateReturned to Australia 9 December 1918
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Henry and Catherine SOMERSET
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led two attacks against the enemy with great courage and determination. Later, although wounded, he led another attack and continued to encourage his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 103
Date: 29 June 1917

Discharge date25 March 1919
Other details

War Memorial biographical card gives date of birth as 24 January 1896.

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Promoted Corporal, 9 August 1915. Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant, 12 March 1916.

Wounded in action (1), 26 April 1916; (2) 5 November 1916 (remained on duty); (3) 9 April 1917 (remained on duty).

Promoted Captain, 3 July 1917

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Leicestershire', 9 December 1918; disembarked Melbourne, 22 January 1919, for onward travel to Brisbane; discharged (appointment terminated), Brisbane, 25 March 1919.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death20 February 1936
Age at death41
Place of burialCaboonbah Churchyard Cemetery, Queensland
Sources'Reveille', 1 May 1936 NAA B2455 file 8088682

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