Private William Timothy Sullivan Memorial Plaque, Sawtell

The memorial is a polished granite plaque, attached to a low, flat bushrock. It is inscribed with a dedication to Private William Timothy Sullivan, who fell in the First World War. The inscription is difficult to read due to salt damage, and requires conservation. 

Private Sullivan was born at Tumut, NSW. He enlisted as a Roman Catholic labourer from Repton, Bellinger on 4 October 1915, aged 35 years, His unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland on board the HMAT Warilda on 5 October 1915, and then from Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT Port Lincoln on 16 October 1915.

As a private in the 47th Australian Infantry Battalion, he was killed in action on 25 September 1916 at Ypres, Belgium. He was buried in the Ridge Wood Military Cemetery, Dikebusch, Flanders, Belgium. The plaque incorrectly states he was killed on 24 September.

The memorial is located in the Bonville Headland Public Reserve, in a north-eastern position from the Boronia Street car park. It is positioned on a walking track on the headland, overlooking the sea. The Sawtell Reserve was gazetted as a Public Recreation and Resting Place on 19 June 1959.

The reserve details were provided by Sally Spunner, Technical Officer, Coastal Works Open Spaces, Coffs Harbour City Council.