Colin Boyd has provided the following:
John was born on 16th August 1883. He was working as a miner living with his friend, Mrs. W. George at 12, Plessy View, Blyth when he enlisted in the Army in September 1914.
He transferred to the RNVR on 10th September 1914 and was posted to the Drake Battalion on 3rd November 1914.
John died from the effects of a gun shot wound to the abdomen at the 11th Casualty Clearing Station, Gallipoli on 25th May 1915. It is possible that he was shot by French Troops who opened fire in error on a Drake Battalion working party on this date.
Morpeth Herald 25/06/1915 carries a brief obituary:
Mrs George, 12 Plessey View, Crofton, Blyth, has received news to the effect that Able Seaman John Somers, has died in Alexandra [sic] Hospital from wounds received in action at the Dardanelles. Somers, who was 33 years of age, was employed as a miner at Crofton Pit. He was attached to the Drake Battalion.
John Somers is remembered at Blyth on B42.24
