Woodbine Design - WWI ANZAC Simpson and his Donkey
Searching for a ticket home, British born Australian John Simpson Kirkpatrick and enlisted in August 1914 in the Australian Imperial Force, serving at Gallipoli in the 3rd Field Ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps.
Simpson became a national hero due to for his work as a stretcher-bearer. Using one of the donkeys brought in for carrying water, he transported wounded men day and night from the fighting in Monash Valley to the beach on ANZAC Cove. He did so, according to Charles Bean, through "deadly sniping down the valley and the most furious shrapnel fire". He saved the lives of 35 men. True courage.
Against his Commanders wishes, Simpson worked independently ( he was initially even considered a deserter for a few days as he would not report to his ambulance post). Simpson would start his day as early as 6.30 a.m. and often continue until as late as 3.00 a.m. He made the one and a half mile trip 12-15 times a day. He would leave his donkey under cover while he went forward to collect the injured. On the return journey he would bring water for the wounded. He never hesitated or stopped even under the most furious shrapnel fire and was frequently warned of the dangers ahead but invariably replied "my troubles". Simpson miraculously survived for 24 days before he was killed by machine-gun fire while carrying two wounded men. Simpson became a national hero and a legend known around the world. His first donkey was known as Abdul, Murphy, or Duffy.
Metal miniatures, supplied unpainted.