For those not familiar with Australian ww1 history read all about
Private J.S. Kirkpatrick (who served in the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance, AIF as John Simpson), who became known as "The man with the donkey".
A true hero in the name of Australia
Should the First Australian Victoria Cross be awarded to the man with the donkey? Before you answer read this story on the life of
Simpson; the man with the donkey
Edit: some more
Private KIRKPATRICK, Son of Sarah Simpson Kirkpatrick, of 14 Bertram St., South Shields, England, and the late Robert Kirkpatrick. Private J S Kirkpatrick, served as Private John Simpson and became the legendary 'Man with the Donkey'. Simpson landed with the Field Ambulance north of Ariburnu early on the 25th April, but by the following day had established himself as virtually an independent unit, leading a donkey carrying wounded from the front down Monash and Shrapnel Valleys to the beach. In the first three weeks of the campaign he became a familiar sight, always cheerful and oblivious of danger. He was killed by machine-gun fire near Steele's Post on 19 May.
Although recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal and later the Victoria Cross, no single act of heroism could be isolated. He was, however, Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in the field.
