Reginald William Sullivan

Private Reginald Sullivan

2nd Battalion, AIF

Service Number: 6080

Born: 1889, Burwood, NSW

Died: 12 April 1917, Hermes, France

Reginald William Sullivan was born in 1889 at Burwood to Benjamin Ezzy and Mary Ann (nee Melville) Sullivan. His father was a well-respected Richmond auctioneer. The family, originally from Richmond, spent some time at Lake Macquarie and Maitland before returning to Richmond around 1917. The Sullivan family were well known for their association with community life and public affairs. Before enlisting Sullivan had been a porter at Penrith Railway Station. His uncle was schoolmaster at Regentville Public School.

Sullivan enlisted on 15 September 1915 with his friend Harry Haylen and was allocated to 2nd Battalion. He underwent training before he embarked on the HMAT Wiltshire on 22 August 1916, disembarking on 13 October at Plymouth, England. After some officer training Sullivan proceeded to France on 13 December where he joined his Battalion at Etaples.

In the early hours of 9 April 1917 Sullivan was badly wounded by a bullet to the chest during a charge in the taking of the town of Hermes. He was taken to Pozieres Casualty Clearing Station where he died a few days later on 12 April. His friend Private Alder was also wounded and they lay together in the hospital. When asked how he was Sullivan replied ‘not too bad’. The next day, his answer was ‘not too good’.

Memorial Details:

  • Pozieres British Cemetery Ovillers-La-Boisselle, France
  • Honor Roll, Memory Park, Penrith
  • Honor Roll, Penrith Superior Public School

Sources: