Simpson and his donkey were one of the icons of the Gallipoli campaign. Pvt. John Simpson Kirkpatrick was a stretcher-bearer in the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance. Simpson was the first person to evacuate wounded soldiers from the front line to the first aid station at ANZAC Cove.
The Commemorative Area inside the Australian War Memorial, looking towards the Hall of Valour.
“Heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives! You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”
The flip side view from yesterday’s view of the Parliament Houses. Looking up ANZAC Parade towards the Australian War Memorial, with Mt Ainslie looming over it.