Born on 2nd February 1895 at Clapton, the son of Frank (Auctioneer) and Caroline Telfer. In 1901 the family lived at 49 Clapton Common in Hackney. His father died in 1907. 1911: He was a pupil at Mill Hill Public School at Hendon, where he was a Lance Corporal in the School OTC. His Will shows him to be living at Hawthorne Cottage (later 11) Glengall Road, Woodford Green with his widowed mother.
Along with his brother F.P.G. Telfer, he applied for a Commission in the Rangers during 1914. The unit was deployed at Ypres when he was sent out as a replacement Officer on 1St May 1915. Barely 8 days later he was dead, initially declared Missing then Missing Presumed Killed, following the ferocious action at Frezenberg Ridge. This had left all the Officers dead or injured, and when relieved, only 53 Rangers were led out of the line by a Sergeant. The original pre war Rangers Battalion had effectively ceased to exist.
Somerville Telfer ranks among those unfortunate men who would experience only a short survival time following their arrival at the Front. He has no known grave.
Memorial: Roll of Honour: Woodford Congregational Church (United Free Church)
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Principal Sources:
Ancestry.com
Regimental History
Mill Hill School Roll of Honour