British push for Victoria Cross for Gallipoli hero John Simpson Kirkpatrick

THE digger immortalised along with his donkey for their feats during World War I could receive a Victoria Cross almost 100 years after his death.

There’s probably not a school boy or girl in Australia that does not know the name John Simpson Kirkpatrick -widely known as John Simpson – who along with his donkey served as an ANZAC stretcher bearer in Gallipoli.

In a 25-day period of that campaign, he is credited with rescuing 300 wounded diggers before being shot dead on May 19, 1915 at the age of 22.

But while in his adopted country Australia he has been immortalised with coins, statutes and stamps, in the UK he remains relatively unknown.

Now a council from his northern England home of South Shields has petitioned the government to change that with a plea for a posthumous VC.

As a result an online petition to award Kirkpatrick a posthumous VC has been set up.

“A man’s bravery should be remembered and not just brushed under the carpet,” said 64-year-old councilor Keith Smiles, who started the petition said yesterday.

“If Kirkpatrick is awarded the Victoria Cross, it will be an honour duly deserved and stand the test of time as testament to his achievements. The decoration would be something that would assign pride to his family, birthplace and to the people that lost their lives in The Great War.”

Yesterday a group of RSL veterans from Western Australia visited a statue of Kirkpatrick in South Shields where he is considered a “son of the borough”.

Major Arthur Ventham, Secretary of Quinns Rocks RSL Sub Branch, said regardless of nationality, a hero was a hero.

“John Simpson Kirkpatrick was a hero of the Gallipoli campaign and should be recognised for his heroic achievements,” he said.

Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The heritage associated with the story of John Simpson Kirkpatrick has been a valuable learning resource for generations of South Tynesiders and our Australian counterparts.

“His loyalty to friends and comrades still holds the utmost respect, nearly 100 years after his gallant deeds.”

There have been may bids and petitions for formal recognition for his deeds including by his then commanding officer who pledged such an honour but never lodged the papers.

Last year, the Federal Government included his name in a list to be examined for potential postemous recognition.