Private Robert Sommerville

Robert was born on the island of Islay, Scotland where his father worked as a Cooper in the Bruichladdich distillery. As a child he moved to Glasgow which was the home city of both his parents. He was the son of Robert and Margaret and had one brother, James and two sisters, Margaret “Peggy” and Jean. His service was with the 1st Independent Parachute Platoon of the Parachute Regiment. Following World War Two he married his wife Jane and had two children Elizabeth and Robert “Bobby”. 

Robert served with The Cameronians, the Scottish Rifles before he volunteered for the airborne forces. He was parachute jump trained at RAF Ringway on Course 26. This course ran between 6 and 12 September 1942. It had 18 injuries, 5 serious and 1 fatality.   

Despite being very proud of his service, he rarely ever talked about his time with The Regiment other than in stories that he shared with his grandson. He passed away in 1980, shortly before the birth of his first granddaughter. He was very much loved and is sorely missed for his charisma, gentleness, kindness and loving nature.