18/05/2026
A statement from the Master Gunner, St James’s Park, Lieutenant General Mike Elviss, following the death of Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, after a tragic incident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show:
“The shock of LBdr Ciara Sullivan’s loss is profound. 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.”
Lance Bombardier Sullivan – ‘Sully’ to her friends - was born on 9 Dec 2001. She 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.
Lance Bombardier Sullivan loved horses and had a natural affinity for them.
She had been involved in Ceremonial Operations since joining The Troop, taking part in multiple Royal Gun Salutes, the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen in 2022, and the Coronation of Their Majesties The King & Queen in 2023.
She had recently qualified as an Advanced Regimental Riding Instructor and particularly enjoyed training the Military Working Horses and developing young horses, utilising her equine skill set.
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, Lance Bombardier 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.
She will be missed greatly by us all.
