SULLIVAN, Thomas and Ernest

Thomas Joseph Sullivan was a twenty one year old Railway Employee when he enlisted for World War 1 at Kensington NSW in August 1914. His parents, Alpha and Mary lived at Bundarra NSW where Thomas was born and educated.  He became a member of the 2nd Battalion, D Company which sailed from Sydney on the transport ship A23 Suffolk in October 1914.

Thomas fought at Gallipoli where he became ill and was sent back to hospital in Egypt.  After being declared fit for service he became ill with pleurisy and died in hospital on 11 March 1916. Thomas was buried at Cairo War Cemetery, Egypt.

Ernest Laurence Sullivan, an older brother of Thomas, enlisted at Warwick Queensland in August 1915. He gave his age as twenty five years and ten months and occupation as Butcher.  Ernest joined the 5th Light Horse 11th Reinforcements and left Australia for Egypt in October 1915.  After arrival he suffered from bronchial pneumonia for some months before rejoining his Regiment in Palestine. He received several promotions becoming Sergeant in March 1918.  Later that year he became ill with malaria.  Sergeant Sullivan returned to Australia in 1919.

Photo: courtesy Australian War Memorial image No PO6397.001

Thomas (standing) and Ernest (seated)