Gerald Robert O’Sullivan VC

Name: Gerald Robert O’Sullivan

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: September 1, 1915

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Frankfield, Co Cork, Ireland/November 8, 1888

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Captain

Date of bravery: July 1/2, 1915

London Gazette citation:

Captain Gerald Robert O’Sullivan, 1^st Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

For most conspicuous bravery during operations south-west of Krithia, on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

On the night of the 1st-2nd July, 1915, when it was essential that a portion of a trench which had been lost should be regained, Captain O’Sullivan, although not belonging to the troops at this point, volunteered to lead a party of bomb throwers to effect the recapture.

He advanced in the open under a very heavy fire, and, in order to throw his bombs with greater effect, got up on the parapet where he was completely exposed to the fire of the enemy occupying the trench. He was finally wounded, but not before his inspiring example had led on his party to make further efforts, which resulted in the recapture of the trench.

On the night of 18th-19th June, 1915, Captain O’Sullivan saved a critical situation in the same locality by his great personal gallantry and good leading.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Suvla, Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire (now Turkey)/August 21, 1915

Grave/memorials: Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey; Dorchester War Memorial, Dorset; St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2007

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum