“Working Animals” is this week’s theme for Thursday Postcard Hunt.

Maxicard from Australia.

This iconic image of Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick leading a donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety during the First World War became one of the most symbolic figures of the Gallipoli campaign. 

Twenty-two years old, English-born, John Simpson Kirkpatrick was a field ambulance stretcher bearer who became a national hero. Following the outbreak of war, Simpson enlisted in the Australian Army, apparently hoping it would give him the chance to get back home to England. This was not the case however and he instead found himself posted to the 3rd Field Ambulance and landed at Gallipoli ANZAC Cove (Turkey) on 25 April 1915.

Simpson was instructed to recover and help wounded men and he did so with focus and enthusiasm. Spotting a small donkey he decided to use the animal to help him carry men down from the front line. Often under heavy fire, it is believed Simpson would sing and whistle, seemingly ignoring the shell fire flying all around him and instead tended to his comrades.

Simpson was sadly killed on 19 May 1915, less than 4 weeks after landing. Killed by a Turkish bullet during one of his treks up Monash Valley to rescue wounded men. 

What makes Simpson’s story particularly interesting, is that unlike other celebrated men from the Gallipoli campaign, he was a non-combatant. 

Simpson is commemorated in artworks and books around the world and a bronze sculpture at the Australian War Memorial, New Zealand War Memorial as well as bronze sculptures in Melbourne and Adelaide.