Arthur Percy Sullivan
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Arthur Percy Sullivan (27 November 1896 – 1937) was an Australian 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.
[edit] Early life
Arthur Percy Sullivan was born on 27 November 1896 at Crystal Brook, South Australia.
[edit] Military service
Sullivan was 22 years old, and a corporal in the 45th Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers, British Army during the North Russia Relief Force when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 10 August 1919, at Sheika River, North Russia, the platoon to which Corporal Sullivan belonged, after fighting a rearguard covering action, had to cross the river by means of a narrow plank, and during the passage an officer and three men fell into a deep swamp. Without hesitation, Corporal Sullivan, under intense fire, jumped into the river and rescued all four, bringing them out singly. But for this gallant action, the men would undoubtedly have drowned, as all ranks were exhausted and the enemy was less than 100 yards away.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
[edit] References
- "Elegant Extracts" - The Royal Fusiliers Recipients of the VC (J.P. Kelleher, 2001)
- "Forgotten Valour: The Story of Arthur Sullivan VC" (Peter Quinlivian, 2006)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
