John Simpson Kirkpatrick, the "man with the donkey", will be denied the ultimate recognition of courage and sacrifice – the Australian Victoria Cross (VC).

Private Simpson was killed ferrying wounded soldiers to safety from the frontline at Gallipoli, at the height of the First World War, 93 years ago.

Although his commanding officer at the time, Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Sutton, had recommended him for the country's highest military award, the Australian Government's new Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal is to disqualify Pte Simpson from being posthumously awarded the medal.

The decision has been taken because his bravery is not supported by the required documentation: the sworn statements of at least three witnesses to his actions.

The former Mortimer Road School pupil left South Shields to join the Merchant Navy, ending up in Australia, where he joined the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac).

He was just 22 when he was killed at Anzac Cove as he carried wounded soldiers to safety on his donkey, Murphy.

The latest decision is a body blow to campaigners in the UK and Australia, who have been fighting for Pte Simpson to be recognised.
Petition

An online petition calling for him to be honoured was even launched. Today Doreen Monteiro, secretary of the Caer Urfa Heritage Association in South Shields, said the decision was "extremely sad".

She added: "I feel very sad about this because he did so much, so long ago.

"The VC is for valour and I certainly think he deserves it.

"I would like to now see the British Government step in to honour him."

There have been at least four previous attempts to have Pte Simpson awarded the VC, the most recent in 2005.

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