2015 Gallipoli Centenary 50c PNC

2015 Gallipoli Centenary 50c PNC

Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick is legendary for his courageous service. Born in England in 1892, he arrived in Australia in 1910.

When war broke out he enlisted in the AlF as John Simpson, and was drafted into the 3rd Ambulance of the Australian Medical

Corps. Soon after landing at Gallipoli, he recruited a donkey (possibly more than one) to help him carry the wounded from the head of Monash Valley down Shrapnel Gully to the dressing station at the beach. Simpson worked day and night, whistling as if unconcerned for his own safety, despite the rifle fire and shrapnel.

He was killed just three weeks into his service, on 19 May 1915