REX JORY   (Adelaide Now)

April 25, 2009 12:01am

PLANS to display in Adelaide a bronze statue of World War I hero John Simpson Kirkpatrick – widely known as John Simpson – and his famous donkey have run into turmoil.

The RSL has launched a campaign to raise $300,000 to have the statue crafted and cast.

RSL State president Jock Statton said it was originally planned to place the statue of Simpson, the Gallipoli stretcher-bearer and his faithful donkey, Murphy, outside the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

But this will no longer be appropriate if the State Government presses ahead with plans to build a new hospital in the north-west corner of Adelaide.

“We’ve still got a fair way to go to raise the $300,000 so there’s no rush,” Mr Statton said.

“Originally we wanted the Simpson statue outside the RAH because of the obvious medical connection and because it would be in the busy heart of the city.

“With a new hospital planned that may no longer be possible or appropriate. We are looking at alternative sites.

“Perhaps the statue could be incorporated in the new hospital or it might be placed in Pennington Gardens behind Government House.

“We will look at all options and consult with the Government – but first we have to raise the money. Anyone who wants to make a donation can send it to the RSL in Adelaide.”

The Australian War Memorial says John Simpson Kirkpatrick was born in Britain but later moved to Australia.

In August 1914 he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, serving at Gallipoli the following year as Private John Simpson in the 3rd Field Ambulance corps. Somehow the name Kirkpatrick was lost.He served from the time of the landing at Gallipoli on April 25 until he was killed in action on May 19, 1915.

Simpson became famous for his work as a stretcher-bearer. Using one of the donkeys brought in for carrying water, he transported wounded men day and night from the fighting in Monash Valley to the beach on ANZAC Cove.