Gerald Robert O'Sullivan

He led bombers along an exposed parapet under withering fire

Gerald Robert O'Sullivan was born near Douglas, County Cork, on 8 November 1888. His father was an officer in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Educated in Britain, Gerald chose an Army career and attended Sandhurst before receiving a commission in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in 1909. His prewar service included China and India.

As a captain in the 1st Battalion, he landed at Gallipoli with the 29th Division on 25 April 1915. His Victoria Cross recognised exceptional conduct in two periods of fighting. On 18-19 June he helped regain and defend the contested Turkey Trench. During another emergency on the night of 1-2 July, he volunteered to lead a bombing party against a trench occupied by Ottoman troops.

O'Sullivan advanced on the exposed parapet so that he could throw his grenades into the trench more effectively. He continued despite heavy return fire until a serious wound forced him to hand over command. His example helped the men continue the effort to recover the position. Corporal James Somers also earned the VC in this fighting.

Evacuated to Egypt, O'Sullivan recovered quickly and rejoined his battalion on 11 August. Ten days later, during the assault on Scimitar Hill, he again led his company under severe fire. After an initial attack was forced back, he gathered a small party for another attempt. He was killed during the fighting on 21 August 1915.

His VC was announced posthumously on 1 September. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. His military career ended at twenty-six, shortly after returning from the wounds suffered in the action for which he received the decoration.

Official Victoria Cross citation

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.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 31 August 1915. 1 September 1915, Numb. 29281, pp. 8699-700