May 20 2008
The Simpson Dilemma
From what I remember at school John Simpson was a solider, who, at Gallipoli, took his donkey out on a daily basis and picked up wounded combatants and returned them to friendly lines for further medical attention. My memory of the story is that he did this for quite a period without thought or concern for his own safety in the face of the enemy. That’s what I remember being taught at school.
Now I read that John Simpson Kirkpatrick will not be awarded a Victoria Cross because certain politicians have made new rules to preclude nominations from people who may not have the required documentation of sworn statements by three eyewitnesses.
I must admit I never investigated my primary school teachings further to the stories told. I would have thought something like a VC would have already been awarded. But surely if our leaders wish to produce a common history to this nations members they should dispense with the bullshit and award this man the award we have been told he deserves.
Not sure about you but I have always found hard to follow an ideology that changes its tune each time someone new comes to power and changes the policies. So either the Simpson story is no longer taught to our kids in school or he is given the honour he seemingly so rightly deserves.
If Simpsons efforts are not worth of a VC, i don’t know what is
You weren’t there, none of use were there. We can only rely on the statements of witnesses. In this instance there is not sufficient evidence for such a medal to be awarded. Thems the rules cut & dry.
It doesn’t matter whpo was or wasnt there or how many witnesses there were. This story was taught to me as a child and obviously the author. It makes no sense not to arwad this to him regardless how many witnesses may not have seen it.