A Kiwi and His Donkey
One of the most enduring and heartwarming stories from the Gallipoli Campaign is that of Richard “Dick” Henderson, a New Zealand stretcher-bearer who, alongside his faithful donkey, became a symbol of courage and selflessness. His tale mirrors the more famous Australian counterpart, John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who also used a donkey to rescue wounded soldiers under fire. Together, these men have become legends, representing the ANZAC spirit of sacrifice, mateship, and bravery.
The Story of Henderson and His Donkey
Dick Henderson, a school teacher from Auckland, enlisted with the New Zealand Medical Corps during World War I. After the ANZACs landed at Gallipoli in April 1915, Henderson was stationed as a stretcher-bearer, a dangerous role as they had to rescue the wounded from the battlefield, often under heavy fire.
Inspired by the efforts of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who had died while bravely rescuing soldiers with his donkey, Henderson took up the same method, using a donkey to ferry wounded soldiers from the front lines to medical aid stations. Henderson, like Simpson before him, worked tirelessly, saving countless lives despite the constant threat of enemy fire.
A Symbol of Courage
The image of Henderson and his donkey has become legendary in New Zealand. He exemplified the ANZAC qualities of endurance, selflessness, and an unyielding commitment to helping others, even at great personal risk. While John Simpson is often more widely remembered, Henderson’s story remains a key part of New Zealand’s Gallipoli legend, celebrated on ANZAC Day each year.
The sight of Henderson leading his donkey, carrying the wounded through the harsh terrain of Gallipoli, has inspired generations of Kiwis and Australians alike. His efforts have been immortalized in stories, memorials, and photographs, reminding us of the quiet, unassuming heroes who fought in the shadows but whose actions saved lives.
Legacy
The story of Dick Henderson and his donkey is not just about heroism in battle but also a testament to the humanitarian side of war—the desire to save lives amid destruction. On ANZAC Day, the legend of “the Kiwi and his donkey” continues to be a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary men under extraordinary circumstances.
Both Henderson and Simpson remain powerful symbols of the ANZAC spirit and the enduring legacy of the soldiers who fought in one of the most challenging campaigns of World War I.
