Gerald Robert O'Sullivan
Captain, 1st Battalion. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
- Register No.
- 952 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Captain all Captains →
- Unit
- 1st Battalion. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers all Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers VCs →
- Date of action
- 1–2 July 1915 on this day → all of 1915 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- the 1st September 1915 on this day → all of 1915 →
- Born
- 8th November 1888 at Frankfield, Douglas, County Cork,
- Died
- in action on 21st August 1915 on Hill 70, Suvla, Gallipoli
- Memorial / grave
- on Helles Memorial, Gallipoli
Digest of citation
For most conspicuous bravery on the Gallipoli peninsula. On the night of the 1st/2nd July, 1915, it was essential that a portion of the trench should be retaken. Captain O'Sullivan volunteered to lead a party of bomb throwers to effect the recapture. He advanced under very heavy fire, into the open in order to deliver his bombs with more effect, in doing so he mounted the Parapet where he was completely exposed to enemy fire from the occupants of the trench. He was finally wounded but his inspiring example had encouraged his party to make further efforts, resulting in the recapture of the trench. On the night on the 18th-19th June, 1915, Captain O'Sullivan, in the same locality, by his personal gallantry and leadership, saved a critical situation
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
O'SULLIVAN, Gerald Robert. (reg No. 952).
Captain. 1st Battalion. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on the 1st September 1915.
Born on 8th November 1888 at Frankfield, Douglas, County Cork, Ireland.
Killed in action on 21st August 1915 on Hill 70, Suvla, Gallipoli.
Memorial on Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
Digest of Citation reads: For most conspicuous bravery on the Gallipoli peninsula. On the night of the 1st/2nd July, 1915, it was essential that a portion of the trench should be retaken. Captain O'Sullivan volunteered to lead a party of bomb throwers to effect the recapture. He advanced under very heavy fire, into the open in order to deliver his bombs with more effect, in doing so he mounted the Parapet where he was completely exposed to enemy fire from the occupants of the trench. He was finally wounded but his inspiring example had encouraged his party to make further efforts, resulting in the recapture of the trench. On the night on the 18th-19th June, 1915, Captain O'Sullivan, in the same locality, by his personal gallantry and leadership, saved a critical situation.
Additional information:. Captain O'Sullivan was the son of Lieutenant Colonel George Lidwill and Charlotte O'Sullivan. He was educated at Wimbledon College (private tutors) and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, where he was commissioned on 9th May 1909. He was present during the Chinese rebellion 1911-12 with the first Battalion of his regiment. He landed in the Dardanelles on 20th April 1915. He was severely wounded on the 1st July 1915. After leading his men in an attack on Hill 70 at Suvla, Gallipoli on 21st August 1915 he was reported missing
Additional information
Captain O'Sullivan was the son of Lieutenant Colonel George Lidwill and Charlotte O'Sullivan. He was educated at Wimbledon College (private tutors) and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, where he was commissioned on 9th May 1909. He was present during the Chinese rebellion 1911-12 with the first Battalion of his regiment. He landed in the Dardanelles on 20th April 1915. He was severely wounded on the 1st July 1915. After leading his men in an attack on Hill 70 at Suvla, Gallipoli on 21st August 1915 he was reported missing
Ireland.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: on Helles Memorial, Gallipoli
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
Research this recipient further
Would you like to honour Gerald Robert O'Sullivan by sponsoring this page from £1 a month — in memory of someone, in your own name or for your company? Sponsor this page.