James Somers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Somers
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|---|---|
| Born | 12 June 1894 Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland |
| Died | 7 May 1918 (aged 24) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1913–1918 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 10512 |
| Unit | Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Sergeant James Somers (born June 12, 1894 – died May 7, 1918) was a brave Irish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for courage given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries. This award is given for showing amazing bravery when facing the enemy.
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James Somers' Early Life and Military Service
James Somers was born in Belturbet, a town in County Cavan, Ireland. This was on June 12, 1894. When he was 21 years old, he was serving as a sergeant in the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. This was part of the British Army during the First World War.
Bravery in Gallipoli
Sergeant Somers earned his Victoria Cross for an incredibly brave act. This happened on July 1 and 2, 1915, in Gallipoli, Turkey. During a battle, enemy bombs caused some of his fellow soldiers to retreat from their position.
Somers stayed behind all by himself. He waited there until more bombs could be brought to him. Then, he bravely climbed into the enemy's trench. He used the bombs to fight the Turkish soldiers very effectively.
Later, he moved out into the open, even though there was heavy enemy fire. He kept the enemy from advancing by throwing bombs at their side. This gave his comrades time to build a protective barrier. During this dangerous time, he kept running back and forth to his own trenches. He did this to get more bombs to continue fighting.
A Soldier's Own Words
Sergeant Somers wrote a letter to his father about this experience. In it, he described the intense fighting. He said he fought the Turks out of their trench alone. He also mentioned having "four awful hours" at night. The Turks attacked from all sides, but he managed to hold his position.
He wrote that they were definitely winning against the Turks. He also described the terrible sight of many dead Turkish soldiers in front of their trenches. He mentioned the very bad smell from the bodies in the sun. He wished they could bury them, but it was too dangerous to leave the trench.
Later War Service and Legacy
Before his actions in Gallipoli, Somers had already been badly wounded. This happened during the Retreat from Mons in August 1914.
Later in the war, Sergeant Somers served with the Royal Army Service Corps. He was stationed on the Western Front. Sadly, he died on May 7, 1918, when he was only 24 years old. He left behind his parents, his wife, and his son.
James Somers was buried with full military honors. His coffin was covered with a Union Jack flag. It was carried on a gun carriage, led by the Pipe Band of the Cameron Highlanders. He was laid to rest in the Modreeny Church of Ireland cemetery. His headstone has a simple but powerful message: He stood and defended. The Lord wrought a great wonder.
