The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Collection relating to the First World War service of 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3 Australian Field Ambulance, United Kingdom, Australia, Egypt and Gallipoli, 1909-1948.
The collection consists of two binders, one wallet and one folio containing letters, documents and ephemera relating to Kirkpatrick's pre-war life and work from, and his enlistment, service and death in the First World War.
Binder 1 of 2 - Consists of 45 letters Kirkpatrick wrote to his mother, Sarah, between October 1909 and 31 December 1913. He writes of his travels as a merchant sailor, his arrival in and work around Australia as a swagman, his perceptions and politics, and later his work on Australian coastal ships.
Binder 2 of 2 - Consists of letters, postcards, certificates and ephemera relating to Kirkpatrick's service and death in the First World War. The wallet includes 18 letters from Kirkpatrick to his mother, Sarah, and sister, Annie, describing his enlistment, his embarkation and voyage from Fremantle, his perceptions of Egypt, and his disappointment at the Australian Imperial Force having not been sent to the United Kingdom. The wallet also contains three letters Sarah and Annie wrote to Kirkpatrick, expressing concern at the war and for Kirkpatrick, official correspondence relating to Kirkpatrick's death, his posthumous Mention in Despatches and the issue of his service medals, 50 envelopes, and Kirkpatrick's Commemorative Scroll.
Wallet 1 of 1 - Consists of photocopies of letters and certificates relating to Kirkpatrick's service in the First World War. The wallet includes copies of three letters written by Kirkpatrick to his mother regarding the preparations for embarkation from Fremantle and his service in Egypt, and copies of his Commemorative Scroll and Mention in Despatches certificates.
Folio 1 of 1 - Consists of 6 pictorial letterettes and letter cards Kirkpatrick wrote to his sister, Annie, and mother, Sarah, between 9 May 1912 14 February 1915. Kirkpatrick describes his travel and work around Australia and his service in Egypt during the First World War.
A transcript of the collection is available.
1914-15 Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details. John 'Jack' Simpson Kirkpatrick was born in July 1892 in South Shields, at the mouth of the River Tyne in north eastern England. As a young
Studio portrait of Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, Ship's Fireman, born at Tyne Dock, South Shields, Durham in England on 6 July 1892. He enlisted as 202 Private John Simpson in the 3rd Australian
Private A J Currie (left) and 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick (who enlisted as John Simpson), 'The Man with the Donkey'. Both of the 3rd Field Ambulance, in Blackboy Camp in Western Australia.
Circular bronze medallion surmounted by the Queen's crown. Obverse shows Simpson and his donkey assisting a wounded man, a laurel wreath, the date '1915' and the word 'ANZAC'. Reverse shows a map of A
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. John 'Jack' Simpson Kirkpatrick was born in July 1892 in South Shields, at the mouth of the River Tyne in north eastern Eng
Circular aluminium identity disc incorporating a integral suspension tag, through which is laced a flat-profile leather thong for wear around the neck The thong ends are knotted. The disc is impressed
202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3rd Field Ambulance Brigade (enlisted as Simpson), assisting an unidentified British soldier, wounded in the leg, being carried by a donkey. Pte Simpson was later
Letters relating to the First World War service of 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3rd Field Ambulance. The letters were written aboard the SS Hughington and sent by John Simpson to his mothe
Bronze Next of Kin plaque with an image of Britannia and a lion together with the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR'. The name of the dead soldier 'JOHN SIMPSON' is recorded in raised letters with
202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick (who enlisted as John Simpson), of the 3rd Field Ambulance, he was known as 'The Man with the Donkey'. He is seen here working in Shrapnel Gully at Anzac Cove, wit
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Purple Cross and framed certificate of award. Antique silver medal bears a purple enamel cross on the obverse with the embossed words, 'PURPLE CR
Victory Medal with Mentioned in Despatches oakleaf. Medal impressed around edge with recipient's details. John 'Jack' Simpson Kirkpatrick was born in July 1892 in South Shields, at the mouth of the
Letters relating to the First World War service of 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3rd Field Ambulance. The undated letters were written by John Simpson to his mother, Sarah Kirkpatrick and his
Lettercards relating to the First World War service of 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3rd Field Ambulance. The lettercards were sent by John Simpson to his sister, Miss Annie Kirkpatrick, and
Letters relating to the First World War service of 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3rd Field Ambulance. The letters were exchanged between John Simpson and his sister, Annie Kirkpatrick, betwee
Letters relating to the First World War service of 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3rd Field Ambulance. The letters were written by John Simpson to his mother, Sarah Kirkpatrick and his sister,
Letters relating to the First World War service of 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3rd Field Ambulance. The letters of condolence were written to Mrs Sarah Kirkpatrick and Miss Annie Kirkpatric
Letters relating to the First World War service of 202 Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 3rd Field Ambulance. The letters were exchanged between John Simpson and his mother, Sarah Kirkpatrick, betwee
