Orders, Decorations and Medals

ABYSSINIA 1867 (Lieut. T.E. Sulivan, R.N. Trant. Sere.) very fine and rare

Only 23 medals issued to the Royal Navy Transport Service.

Thomas Edward Sulivan was born on 25 January 1846 and joined H.M.S. Britannia when aged 13'/2 years as a Naval Cadet on 7 June 1859. Transferred to Ariadne 24 March 1860, continued to serve in this ship until 19 March 1864, having been advanced to Midshipman on 24 June 1861. Next appointed to Victory for disposal before joining Hector on 1 May 1864-April 1865. Whilst in this vessel he received promotion to Sub Lieutenant 25 Januaty 1865. Next served in H.M Ships Excellent, Gannet & Duncan. In the latter vessel he was promoted to Lieutenant on 27 December 1866. Appointed Transport Officer at Zoulla, Annesley Bay, for the duration of the Abyssinia Expedition. Between March-December 1868 he saw service on the surveying vessel Newport, followed by Lion from June-November 1869, finally Royal Adelaide Flag Ship Devenport November 1869-April 1873. Whilst in this vessel he was lent to the following ships Himalaya (troop ship), Industry (store ship) and Vindictive (store ship). He was discharged to hospital in Montevideo on 1st January 1873, and died on 5th January. The cause of death is not recorded on his Service Record.