Major Arthur William FitzRoy Somerset entered the 1st Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards as Ensign and Lieutenant, 1832, Lieutenant and Captain 1837, later advanced to Major. He was present during the action at Maharajpoor, where he was severely wounded whilst disarming a Mahratta soldier (see lots 87 & 88). General Sir Hugh Gough, Commander- in-Chief in a Despatch to the Governor of India wrote:
'Several acts of heroism occurred on this day: none exceeded those of Major General Churchill, C.B. and Captain Somerset of the Grenadier Guards, your Lordship's military secretary whom you kindly allowed to act on my staff, and whom I sent with Brigadier Cureton's brigade to communicate to me the movements of that Corps. These two gallant officers fell, having received wounds in personal recontre... I am glad to add that Captain Somerset will do well, though severely wounded.'
Major Somerset was present at the action of Ferozeshah, 21 - 22nd December 1845, was mortally wounded and died on Christmas Day. Lieutenant Sir Henry Hardinge, G.C.B. in a Despatch to General Sir Hugh Gough, wrote 'Major Somerset my Military Secretary, ... was shot through the body, conducting himself with the hereditary courage of his race. He was always foremost where difficulties required to be overcome, I deeply regret his loss'.