Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith (4846 Pte. J. Sullivan, 5/Lcrs.) good very fine £400-500

John Sullivan served with the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers in South Africa during the Boer War, and took part in the sole squadron’s famous charge at Elandslaagte on 21 October 1899. As the Boers mounted their horses and started to retreat, the 5th Lancers charged them three times as darkness was setting in. Many Boers were cut down and two field guns were captured, with total enemy casualties of around 350.

Sullivan died of enteric at Ladysmith on 22 January 1900, and is commemorated on the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers’ memorial at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.