Sullivan, Ronald Eugene (Corporal, b.1915 - d.1945)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX33835 Corporal Ronald Eugene Sullivan, 1 Company, Australian Army Service Corps, Malaya and Australia, 1941-1945.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of two letters, one note, one photograph, and one sympathy card relating to Corporal Sullivan. The two letters are dated 1 December 1941 and 29 January 1942, and were written from Corporal Sullivan to his brother and sister-in-law, Patrick Thomas and Alice Maria Sullivan. In his letters, Corporal Sullivan responds to news from home. He also writes about the serious war situation, being in good health, driving lorries, receiving a parcel from the Country Women’s Association, holding out against the Japanese in Singapore, and having a decreased fear of bombs. In his undated note, Corporal Sullivan sends his love and best wishes to his young niece, Maria Sullivan. The photograph, captioned 'Ron’s departure', depicts Corporal Sullivan holding a baby [possibly his niece, Maria]. The sympathy card is an example of those sent to the friends and family of Corporal Sullivan after news of his death became known.

Corporal Ronald Eugene Sullivan enlisted to the Second Australian Imperial Force on 14 July 1940, and joined the Australian Army Service Company. After a period of training, Corporal Sullivan embarked with his unit for service in Malaya. In February 1942, Corporal Sullivan became a prisoner of war when Singapore fell to the Japanese. He was initially interned at Changi Prisoner of War Camp in Singapore, but was transferred to Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp, north Borneo, in July 1942. Corporal Sullivan died of illness on 31 March 1945. He is commemorated at Labuan Memorial, Malaysia.