SYNOPSIS

Jack Simpson Kirkpatrick typifies the ANZAC qualities of bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice. As a veteran of the initial Gallipoli landing on 25th April 1915 he worked tirelessly in Shrapnel Gully carrying wounded soldiers from the battlefront to the beach hospital. In 24 days, under constant attack from artillery and sniper fire he rescued close to 300 men.

Simpson and his Donkey traces the boyhood friendship of John Simpson Kirkpatrick and Billy Lowes - from their home in South Shields, North east England, where they walked donkeys for a penny a ride during summer holidays – to the battlefield of Gallipoli. It is the story of a man and his donkey and a strange twist of fate that brought two boyhood friends together one last time.

AUTHOR INSPIRATION

It was on a trip to the National War Memorial in Canberra that Mark Greenwood first conceived the idea of writing a book about Simpson. His intention was to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the sacrifice made by those who served their nation in war.

It was at Gallipoli that the ‘Anzac tradition’ was born, with the ideals of courage, and mateship that distinguish and unite all Australians. Mark hopes Simpson’s story of bravery and sacrifice will encourage young people to value our veterans and provide them with a deeper understanding of what it means to be an Australian.

Background information – Research

Mark and his wife, illustrator Frané Lessac, travelled to Simpson’s birthplace in South Shields, England to thoroughly research the story of Billy Lowes and his boyhood friendship with Simpson. They gathered first hand accounts of Simpson’s childhood from the archives in South Shields and Newcastle libraries as well as local newspapers and other local sources of rare records. I also gathered material at the Australian National War Memorial and various state museums and libraries.

To balance creative interpretation with historical authenticity Mark and Frané travelled to Anzac Cove and retraced Simpson and Duffy’s rescue trail up and down Shrapnel Gully. The site where the events actually occurred is a unique geographical and physical entity. It was vital for both of them to visit the location in order to interpret it accurately and give them the visual and visceral associations most necessary for a project of such national importance. Travelling is a major source of inspiration for Frané’s work as she paints her impressions of a country and the way of life in gouache artwork.

ACTIVITIES

The cover: Look closely at the front cover. Ask students to jot down their responses to the cover. Share responses. What might the book be about? Where is the story set? What clues are there about the story content from the title and art? What questions come to mind?

Look at the opening two spreads, what do they tell you about Jack Simpson’s background?

Why do you think he decided to travel to Australia? Make a list of the jobs he did when he was in Australia. Why do you think he had so many jobs? Do you think his trip to Australia fulfilled Jack’s dreams? Why / why not?

In Australia all WWI soldiers were volunteers. Why do you think so many young men volunteered to go to war? Why do you think Jack was quick to enlist in the army? What did he hope would be the outcome of him enlisting?

Design a recruitment poster to encourage young men to volunteer to go to war.

View the illustration depicting Simpson in the boat heading for Gallipoli. Imagine you are Jack Simpson in that boat. It is dawn 25th April 1915 – you are landing at Gallipoli. What thoughts are going through your mind? How are you feeling? Write an account of your feelings as the rowboat is heading towards the shore of Gallipoli.

Study the illustrations depicting the conflict at Gallipoli. In small groups brainstorm the difficulties the soldiers may have been experiencing. Write a letter to home discussing the difficulties during the first few days of the landing.

Jack joined the 3rd Field Ambulance as a stretcher-bearer and was present at the landing at Gallipoli. What particular dangers did the stretcher-bearers experience. Why did Simpson say: “Bless yee little fella” when he spotted Duffy? How was Duffy going to be of help?

Soldiers watched Simpson and Duffy from the trenches. Write a letter from the point of view of a soldier watching Simpson and Duffy go about their work.

How long had Jack been on Gallipoli when he died? Where is he buried?

What do we know about Jack from the story? What type of person was he? Create a character profile showing all we know and can surmise about Jack as a person.

Why do you think Jack’s friend, Billy Lowes, believed it was Jack Simpson who carried him to the beach at Gallipoli?

Research other stories of bravery from soldiers at Gallipoli.

What do you think happened to Duffy the donkey after the Anzacs left Gallipoli? Research other stories of animals at war.

Turkish soldiers fought with courage and honour and bravery in defence of their homeland. Discuss why Australian and New Zealand soldiers regarded the enemy with great respect.
For the people of Turkey the battle to defeat the invasion of the Gallipoli peninsula was one of the defining moments in their history. General Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, led his troops to victory over the allied forces. The bond between the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli was expressed by him with these famous words:
"Those 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 the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side 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 become our sons as well."
Why do these words mean so much to Australian visitors to Gallipoli?

Discuss the invasion from the Turkish perspective. Why has such a strong bond developed between the Turkish and Australian people?

Imagine you are old ANZAC soldier returning to the battleground after many years – write an account of your feelings and the thoughts going through your mind.

Simpson has become a part of the Anzac folklore and though recommended for the Victoria Cross, twice, and the Distinguished Conduct Medal, he was never decorated for his actions. The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry. Despite the wishes of Simpson’s commanding officers and overwhelming public support this honour has been denied. In accordance with the wishes of the children of Australia write a letter to the Prime Minister of Australia outlining a case for the Government to recognize the extraordinary deeds of Simpson and his donkey and award a posthumous Victoria Cross to John Simpson Kirkpatrick.

Should we commemorate Anzac Day? Why / why not? Write an exposition / debate arguing your point of view.

On a map of the world, mark Simpson’s journey from South Shields to Gallipoli. View the endpapers. What do you think is their significance to the story?

Map the first landings on the Gallipoli coast. Locate sites and identify any place names mentioned in the text.

What illustrations if any, would you do differently if you illustrated the story, and why?

This book is narrative non-fiction. List the elements of the story that are historical fact and those that may be the author’s creative interpretation.

View the final spread. How is this different from the rest of the book. Why do you think it was included?