John Simpson Kirkpatrick
To what extent was Simpson a hero? How have his heroic qualities been demonstrated by other Australians since 1915?
“Simpson escaped death so many times that he was completely fatalistic; the deadly sniping down the valley, and the most furious shrapnel fire never stopped him... he carried scores of men down the valley, and had saved many lives at the cost of his own.”1
“Simpson was a very great favourite with his mates of three field ambulance, Simpson carried out a very dangerous mission.” 2 “A typical digger; independent, witty, warm- hearted, happy to be indolent at times and careless of dress.” 3
These insightful quotes illustrate the characteristics and heroic qualities of an ANZAC, Private 202, John Simpson Kirkpatrick (1892-1915). Simpson displayed many heroic qualities. Of these, the most defining can be narrowed down to bravery, humour and sacrifice. In Australia the ANZAC legend has been personified by one man; John Simpson Kirkpatrick, A.K.A ‘the man with the donkey’. Simpson arrived at Gallipoli on the 25th of April, 1915, with the rest of the ANZAC contingent. He was only at Gallipoli for 24 days yet, amazingly he managed to save approximately 300 men, from a certain death. As a result his heroism can be compared to few, and sources show that he was admired by most. “He was the most respected and admired of all the ANZACS.”4
The word hero is used in the English language, to describe a male. However, often it is used to an extent of ignorant, disregard, where its true meaning is lost. Hero is defined by the Macquarie English dictionary as: A man of distinguished courage or performance, admired for his noble qualities.
1 C.E.W quoted in John Simpson Kirkpatrick
2 Captain. Victor Conrick Brand DSO quoted in John Simpson Kirkpatrick
3 The Australian Dictionary of Biography
4 Andy Davidson brand DCM quoted in The Clown Prince
We, Australians, acknowledge Simpson as a hero, this is conclusive. However to what extent was he really a hero?
“Simpson escaped death so many times that he was completely fatalistic; the deadly sniping down the valley, and the most furious shrapnel fire never stopped him... he carried scores of men down the valley, and had saved many lives at the cost of his own.”1
“Simpson was a very great favourite with his mates of three field ambulance, Simpson carried out a very dangerous mission.” 2 “A typical digger; independent, witty, warm- hearted, happy to be indolent at times and careless of dress.” 3
These insightful quotes illustrate the characteristics and heroic qualities of an ANZAC, Private 202, John Simpson Kirkpatrick (1892-1915). Simpson displayed many heroic qualities. Of these, the most defining can be narrowed down to bravery, humour and sacrifice. In Australia the ANZAC legend has been personified by one man; John Simpson Kirkpatrick, A.K.A ‘the man with the donkey’. Simpson arrived at Gallipoli on the 25th of April, 1915, with the rest of the ANZAC contingent. He was only at Gallipoli for 24 days yet, amazingly he managed to save approximately 300 men, from a certain death. As a result his heroism can be compared to few, and sources show that he was admired by most. “He was the most respected and admired of all the ANZACS.”4
The word hero is used in the English language, to describe a male. However, often it is used to an extent of ignorant, disregard, where its true meaning is lost. Hero is defined by the Macquarie English dictionary as: A man of distinguished courage or performance, admired for his noble qualities.
1 C.E.W quoted in John Simpson Kirkpatrick
2 Captain. Victor Conrick Brand DSO quoted in John Simpson Kirkpatrick
3 The Australian Dictionary of Biography
4 Andy Davidson brand DCM quoted in The Clown Prince
We, Australians, acknowledge Simpson as a hero, this is conclusive. However to what extent was he really a hero?
Bibliography: C.E.W. Bean, the Story of Anzac (Sydney, 1921) Colonel A G Butler DSO, The Official History of the Australian Army Medical services in the War of 1914-1918, Volume 1 (Melbourne: Australian War Memorial, 1930). I. Benson, The Man With the Donkey (London, 1965) John Simpson (1892-1915) Australian Dictionary of Biography. Sir Robert Rhodes James, Gallipoli (London: Batsford, 1965) Tom Curran, Across the Bar, The Story of Simpson, the Man with the Donkey: Australia and Tyneside’s great military hero (Brisbane: Ogmios Publications, 1994)