Sullivan letter diary, 27 October 1915-9 October 1917 / Eugene Sullivan - Page 299
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[Page 299]
I often think over the fact that it is impossible for me to receive promotion in my job; especially when I see numbers of men who were privates a few weeks ago swanking around with stars and have on occasions to take orders from those whom I must regard, without any desire to boast, as my inferiors in most things.
As far as my personal comfort is concerned I am better off than any of the Officers. When we are out of line I escape all the arduous drilling and training which they have to go through with the men and in the line I am in a safer place than most, if not all of them. The risk we take is not the be compared with that run by any of the infantry.
Oh Well! I do not wish to worry you with an account of my troubles, but I daresay you often wonder why it is that I have not achieved something during my military career; especially when you glance through the papers and see the laurels attained by other Lismore boys. If you wish it I will endeavour to secure a transfer to the infantry and I have not doubt I would secure a promotion of some sort before many months.
I suppose you saw the account of our Battalion V.C. - John Carroll. Medals are distributed in good old military style. Carroll did very good work but I know at least a dozen more who did as much or more but of course they can't all win V.C.'s and Jack was the lucky one to be picked upon for the honour.
The Sgt. of the 36th Btn. A.M.C. Detail received the D.C.M. for his good works during the Battle of Messines - Coleman is his name. We were working in the same Aid Post as the 36th. during the stunt and I am in a position to state that we put through more wounded and dressed them infinitely better then they did. In fact on a couple