Jack Simpson

John Simpson Kirkpatrick is remembered for his brave and selfless service during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I, where he served as a stretcher-bearer. Born in South Shields, England, Simpson joined the Australian Army after failing to find work. He is renowned for using a donkey, named Duffy, to carry wounded soldiers from the front lines to safety under heavy rifle and artillery fire. Simpson's efforts during the campaign significantly contributed to the morale and management of the wounded, despite the harsh conditions and constant enemy fire. He became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice for the ANZAC troops and their countries.

On May 19, 1915, John 'Jack' Simpson Kirkpatrick was killed in action during the Gallipoli Campaign while carrying wounded soldiers to safety on his donkey. His death was a significant loss for the Allied forces and he is remembered for his heroic service and sacrifice. Simpson's bravery earned him posthumous recognition and he became an enduring symbol of the ANZAC spirit. Despite his short service at Gallipoli, lasting less than four weeks, his actions left a lasting legacy and he became one of the most famous ANZAC soldiers.

In 1921, a volume of the 'Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918' was published, including recognition of John Simpson Kirkpatrick for his selfless service during the Gallipoli Campaign. This official history offered an authoritative account of the Australian military's involvement in the war and reserved a special mention for Simpson, detailing his acts of bravery and humanitarian efforts under fire. It is considered an important text in preserving and fostering the memory of ANZAC contributions and honoring individuals like Simpson whose actions exemplified their spirit.

By the start of World War II, Jack Simpson Kirkpatrick had already become an iconic figure in Australia and New Zealand for his actions during the Gallipoli Campaign. His story is often recounted during ANZAC Day ceremonies to exemplify the spirit of courage and self-sacrifice associated with the ANZACs. The annual commemoration of ANZAC Day on April 25 honors not only the landing at Gallipoli but also heroes like Simpson, who, through tales of bravery and empathy, have carved an indelible mark on the national consciousness of these countries.

The first proposal for John Simpson Kirkpatrick to be posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), Australia's highest military honor, was put forward on ANZAC Day in 1950. Supporters of the proposal argued that Simpson's gallantry during the Gallipoli Campaign warranted recognition, although the VC was typically not awarded posthumously at the time. The ongoing campaign to award Simpson the VC reflects the deep admiration and significance his story holds in Australian cultural identity, as well as the desire to formally acknowledge his sacrifice and valor.

'The Donkey and the Wardrobe' is a children's book by renowned Australian author Ivan Southall, published on May 7, 1963. The book tells the compelling story of John 'Jack' Simpson Kirkpatrick during the Gallipoli Campaign. Through vivid storytelling and engaging illustrations, Southall captures the heroic deeds of Simpson and his donkey, solidifying Simpson's legend in the cultural fabric of Australia. The book's publication contributed to the enduring public interest in Simpson's story and further enshrined his legacy as a symbol of the ANZAC spirit.

In 1977, the Simpson Medal was introduced as a prestigious award given annually on ANZAC Day for outstanding acts of bravery and selflessness in the spirit of John Simpson Kirkpatrick. This accolade is awarded across various sports, military, and community service contexts as a way to honor individuals who exemplify the courage and humanitarian spirit that Simpson demonstrated during the Gallipoli Campaign. The establishment of this medal reflects the significance of Simpson's legacy in Australian culture and serves as ongoing inspiration to the public.

The statue of 'Simpson and His Donkey' was unveiled at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on ANZAC Day, April 25, 1983. This statue commemorates the heroism and humanitarian efforts of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who became a legend for his use of a donkey to carry wounded soldiers to safety during the Gallipoli Campaign. William Leslie Bowles sculpted this iconic bronze statue, which has since become a key feature of the memorial and symbolizes the courage and sacrifice of the ANZAC troops during World War I. The statue serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions of medics and their vital role in war. It is an example of how one man's simple act of bravery became a lasting symbol of heroism.

In 1997, New Zealand veterans and donors funded the development of a memorial walk in Wellington to honor John Simpson Kirkpatrick and the ANZACs. This project was inspired by the tales of Simpson's heroism in Gallipoli and aimed to celebrate the ties between New Zealand and Australia forged during World War I. It became a place for remembrance and reflection, recognizing Simpson's contributions and the shared history between the two nations. The memorial walk remains a significant landmark in commemorating the ANZAC spirit and fostering bonds of camaraderie.

The Simpson Prize was launched in Australia as a national competition for Year 9 and 10 students to learn about the ANZAC tradition and its significance to Australian history. Named in honor of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, the competition challenges students to explore the broader historical context of the ANZAC spirit through essays and presentations. The winners are awarded a trip to Gallipoli and other significant war-related sites, fostering a deeper understanding of Australia's military history and Simpson's enduring legacy. This educational initiative aims to keep the memory of the ANZACs alive in younger generations and highlight the importance of historical reflection.