Gerald Robert O'Sullivan
Gerald Robert O'Sullivan was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 26 years old, and a Captain in the 1st Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 1 July/2 July 1915 south-west of Krithia, Gallipoli, Turkey, Captain O'Sullivan volunteered to lead a party of bomb throwers to recapture a vital trench. He advanced in the open under very heavy fire and in order to throw his bombs with greater effect, got up on the parapet, completely exposed to the enemy occupying the position. He was finally wounded, but his example led his men to make further efforts which resulted in the recapture of the trench. Previously, on 18 June/19 June he had saved a critical situation by his gallantry and leadership.
He was killed in action, Suvla, Gallipoli, Turkey, on 21 August 1915.
Reference
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
- Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War – Gallipoli (Stephen Snelling, 1995)
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.