Somerset served in the 8th Xhosa War, and then in the Crimean War. He saw action the Alma, Balaclava, and Inkermann. Shortly after, he was promoted major on 12 November 1854, and served at the Siege of Sevastopol, being promoted lieutenant-colonel on 23 March 1855. He was afterwards made a Knight 5th Class of the Medjidie, and awarded the CB in 1857.