Tributes have been paid to 24-year-old Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, who has died following a tragic incident at Royal Windsor Horse Show on Friday (15 May).
Lance Bombardier (LBdr) Sullivan joined the Army in November 2020 attending the Army Training Centre in Pirbright before joining The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in June 2021.
She had been involved in Ceremonial Operations since joining The Troop, taking part in multiple Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park. She deployed on both Op BRIDGE, the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen in 2022, and Op GOLDEN ORB for the Coronation of Their Majesties The King & Queen in 2023.
“LBdr Ciara Sullivan, ‘Sully’ to her friends, was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered,” her Commanding Officer said.
“An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy — the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention — and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.”
LBdr Sullivan had recently qualified as an Advanced Regimental Riding Instructor and particularly enjoyed training the Military Working Horses and developing young horses. She also enjoyed delivering riding lessons to the Mounted Gunners within her Sub-Section and was frequently nominated to instruct the officers of The Troop.
Additionally, LBdr Sullivan was routinely involved with delivering the Mounted Gunner Courses to qualify the next generation of King’s Troop soldiers for Ceremonial Operations. She was passionate about everything to do with The Troop and participated in every extra activity available including showjumping and The Troop Race.
“The shock of LBdr Ciara Sullivan’s loss is profound,” said Lt Gen MR Elviss CB, MBE, COMARRC and Master Gunner St James Palace. “A fine soldier, she died doing a job she loved surrounded by people who held her in the highest regard. A dedicated, committed and highly respected junior commander; she will be sorely missed.
“The Royal Regiment of Artillery and the wider British Army is a lesser place without her. I could not be more sorry nor saddened by her loss and my thoughts, prayers and condolences are with her family and friends. Ubique.”
LBdr Sullivan had ridden since childhood and competed in the showjumping arena before joining the Regiment. She was also a skilled footballer and a dedicated presence in the gym.
“Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan was a brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication,” said Defence Secretary John Healey MP. “We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by her death.
“My thoughts are with Ciara’s family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time.”
Royal Windsor Horse Show said the thoughts of its organisers and all of its connections were with LBdr Sullivan’s family, friends, and all soldiers of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, at this exceptionally sad time.
“The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery has lost not only an accomplished soldier and horsewoman, but the kind of person who made the Regiment, and the world, a better place simply by being part of it,” her Commanding Officer added.
“The thoughts of every member of The Troop and The Gunners are with her family at this tragic time.”
Image credit: Ministry of Defence
