Percy Sullivan (twin of Fred) was born on December 13th, 1889.  He married Lillian Elliot in Portland, Dorset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary record of Percy's death (from a Welsh newspaper/magazine):

Ex-Sergt.P.Sullivan

   We regret to have to announce the death at Portland, on 27th September, of Ex-Sergt.(A.C.S.M.) Percy Sullivan, after an illness of only a few days.

   Enlisting as a boy from the Duke of York's School, C.S.M. Sullivan served for 25 years with the Regiment, completing his service as a Company Serg. Major with the T.A. at Holyhead, where his shooting ability earned for him several cups and medals, including the Caernarvonshire and Anglesey gold medal for 3 years in succession.  At Bisley, 3 years ago, he won his place in The King's last 100.

   His father was for 42 years Bandmaster of the old Caernarvonshires, and the family's association with the Army (mainly Royal Welch Fusiliers), totals about 199 years.

   C.S.M. Sullivan leaves a widow and two children to whom the Regiment offers their sincerest sympathy in their very sad loss.

 

Obituary record of Percy's death (from a Portland newspaper):

 

RECALLED BY DEATH OF MR. PERCY SULLIVAN

   What is probably a unique family record in the British Army is recalled by the death, which occurred rather suddenly on Sunday morning, of Mr. Percy Sullivan, of 22, Spring Gardens, Portland.  He was one of nine brothers who have served their time in the Army, and they all served but one, who was in the R.A., in the Royal Welch Fusiliers.  His father was for 42 years bandmaster of the old Carnarvonshires and the family's association with the Army totals about 199 years.

   Mr. Sullivan's death has come as a great shock to those who knew him on the Island, for he had been confined to his bed for only a week.  He was age 46 and a native of Carnarvonshire, coming to Portland with the Royal Welch Fusiliers.  He served with the regiment for 25 years, retiring with the rank of sergeant.  On joining the Royal Welch Fusiliers Territorials he was promoted to the rank of company sergeant-major.  When he returned to Portland he joined the 180th Portland Battery Dorset R.A. (T.) as a gunner.

   He was stationed with the Royal Welch Fusiliers at Portland when war broke out and fought in some of the most important battles and had the good fortune to escape being wounded.  He held four medals, including one for long service and good conduct.  Mr. Sullivan was one of a twin and at the age of eight he went to the Duke of York's Training College.

   He was a good shot and won several cups and medals, including the Carnarvon and Anglesea gold medal, which he won three years in succession.

   When he took part in a rifle meeting at Holyhead some time ago a Welsh paper wrote of him:-

   "The presence of C.S.M.Sullivan, the crack shot of the battalion, in the team proved a great incentive to the younger members to strive to attain to the same standard of efficiency.  C.S.M.Sullivan will this week proceed to Bisley to represent the battalion amongst the greatest marksmen in the world.  The eyes of all enthusiasts in the battalion will be upon him and we sincerely hope he will be able to maintain his present form."

   Three years ago at Bisley he won his way to the King's last 100.

   Mr. Sullivan was a member of the Portland branch of the British Legion.

   A keen billiards player, Mr. Sullivan represented 180th Battery when they ran a team in the Island League and last year he was one of the mainstays of the British Legion team.

   For some time, Mr. Sullivan was caretaker at St. John's Schools.

   As a tribute of respect the Legion club flag flew at half mast until after the funeral.

THE FUNERAL

   Mr. Sullivan and his eight brothers had the following army record:-Q.M.S. William Sullivan, 27 years; Sergeant Harry Sullivan, 20 years; Drummer Frank Sullivan, 22 years; Drummer Jim Sullivan, 18 years; Private Jack Sullivan (Princess Pat's Canadians), 7 years; Saddler-Sergeant Fred Sullivan, R.A., 10 years; Private Arthur Sullivan (Canadian Defences), 5 years; Sergeant P. Sullivan, 25 years in the Royal Welch Fusiliers and 8 years in the Territorials; Private Robert Sullivan, 15 years - a total of 199 years for a father who had 42 years, and his nine sons.

"LAST POST" SOUNDED AT GRAVESIDE

   Deceased was a Catholic and the funeral service at St. George's Churchyard, Portland, on Wednesday was conducted by the  Rev. Father Carter, priest of the Church of Our Lady and St. Andrew.  It was accompanied by the full rites of the Catholic church.

   The funeral was of a semi-military character and Captains A.R. Baker and Norman Graham, Lieut. Douglas Sansom, B.S.M. Bowring, B.Q.M.S. Harrington, Sergeant W. Symonds (permament staff) and a party of junior N.C.O.'s and men, four of whom acted as bearers, were present from the Portland Battery R.A. (T.).  At the conclusion of the service Sergeant Symonds sounded the Last Post.

   The family mourners were Mrs. Sullivan (widow), Master Edward Sullivan (son), Miss Dorothy Sullivan (daughter), Mr Fred Sullivan (twin brother), Mrs. Frank Sullivan (sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. F. Holley, sen; (uncle and aunt), Mr. H. Hansford, Mrs. Reg. White, Mr. Ron. Holley, Mrs. D. Reeves and Mrs. F. Hanger (cousins), Mr. and Mrs. E. Elliott (brother-in-law and sister-in-law).

   St. John's School managers were represented by mr. W. J. Miller (headmaster).  The British Legion and the British Legion Club also sent representatives.

FLORAL TRIBUTES

   Floral tributes were sent as follows:-

Goodbye Percy, your sorrowing wife and children; With deepest sympathy, Col. J.J.Llewellyn, O.B.E., M.C., T.D., M.P., The Officers, W.O.'s N.C.O.'s and men of the Dorset Heavy Brigade, R.A., With deepest sympathy, O.C., Officers, W.O.'s N.C.O.'s and men of 180 Yeavy Battery, R.a., With deepest sympathy, A.N.Tattersall; In ever loving memory of Percy, from Liz and Ted, niece and nephews, 64 Kitchener-road, Wetham, Weymouth; From Aunt, Charl, and all at 20, Wakeham, in deepest sympathy; With sympathy from Mrs. Wright, Doris Smith and boys; With deepest sympathy from W.E. Blanchard and staff; With deepest sympathy from Ciss and Bert, 18, Brownlow-street, Weymouth; With deepest sympathy from Doll and Billy, Ferndale avenue, Weymouth; From Aunt Rhoda, Uncle Fred and family, with deepest sympathy; St. John's Sschool, with deepest sympathy from the staff and Mrs. Miller.

   (Mrs. Sullivan and family ask all friends to accept this acknowledgment of their deep thanks for the sympathy shown them in their bereavement.  They also thank the officers and men of 180 Battery for their kindness.)

 

Letter received in response to an an advert in the Portland Gazette appealing for information about Percy Sullivan:

21st March 1998

Dear Miss Sullivan,

     You will no doubt be surprised to receive a letter from S.A.  Let me begin by saying that I am a Portlander - and occasionally my cousin sends me the free paper - hence my knowledge of your query regarding your family.

     I remember Percy's outfitters shop, but didn't actually know him except by sight, but I did know Dorothy.  She was a very pretty girl and a wonderful ballroom dancer.  Many years later, I bumped into her in a Bournemouth suburb, where we both lived - and I gathered from how she spoke of her address (I never visited her) she either lived in Wallisdown Rd, or Talbot Hill Rd.  But my best advice to you is to write to "The Bournemouth Daily Echo - Richmond Hill, Bournemouth".  They have been wonderful at tracing relatives.  The only information I can give you, is that both she and her husband were keen ballroom dancers, (which may mean that they belonged to a club) also that her daughter lived either in Lebanon or Beirut, I remember that there was a lot of bombing going on at that time.  You should be lucky - especially as you have her married name.  All the very best with your research.  Let me know if you are successful.

     Kindest Regards.

          Eileen Cole nee Male

Durban, Natal, R.S.Africa