Simpson and His Donkey

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.

Shortlisted for Children's Book Council of Australia Awards: Eve Pownall Award for Information Books 2009.