1897 Pte C. Somerville. 3/60TH FOOT.). KILLED IN ACTION battle of Ingogo River 8 Feb. 1881.
Fully confirmed on roll for medal and clasp. On continued service following the Zulu war.
1897 Private Somerville, C. served during what became the First Boer war.
The following taken from Rifleman and Hussar by Colonel Sir Percival Marling, VC., CB., about 2.30 p.m. Sir George Colley sent Captain McGregor, R.E., to Colonel Ashburnham with a message that he was to send a company of the 60th Rifles out to the left, as he thought the Boers were going to rush the position. Colonel Ashburnham pointed out to the Staff Officer that I Company were the only reserve he had, and asked would not half a company be sufficient. The Staff Officer replied My orders are, sir, from the General, that you are to send a company, and if you will let me have them I will show you where to go. This company, I, was commanded by Lieutenant Garrett, the other subaltern being Lieutenant Beaumont. The Staff Officer, Captain McGregor, went out with them, mounted. There is no doubt that he took them farther than he should have done. Captain McGregor, R.E., was himself killed. It was inevitable, considering the mark he presented. I Company and the Boers were now only about 50 yards apart. Garrett was killed quite early, and every man in the company except 9 was either killed or wounded. Nothing could have been more gallant than their behaviour, many of them being quite young soldiers.
Casualties in the 3rd Battalion 60th Rifles at Ingogo River amounted to 4 officers and 61 other ranks killed or died of wounds, a few of whom were drowned. A further 2 officers and 53 other ranks were wounded. The action of Ingogo is well known, being just prior to the action at Majuba Hill. With just a tiny rim line nick at 6 o’clock to obverse otherwise deep toned close E.F. An exceptional and very scarce 3/60th KIA casualty for the Battle of Ingogo River. My sincere thanks are expressed to Paul Murray for his kind assistance.
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