THE centenary of the death of a North-East war hero known as the Man with the Donkey was marked at a ceremony attended by dignitaries from around the world today (Tuesday, May 19).

South Shields-born John Simpson Kirkpatrick was killed by a sniper’s bullet on May 19 at Gallipoli, but his legendary bravery continues to inspire people today.

His nickname came from the fact that he risked his own life to rescue about 300 wounded Australian and New Zealand soldiers from the frontline by carrying them back to safety using a donkey.

Soldiers from 101 Regiment Royal Artillery, based in South Shields, were part of the special commemoration.

The service was held at the Kirkpatrick Memorial in Ocean Road South.

It was followed by the unveiling of a new war memorial at South Shields' new Littlehaven Promenade overlooking the seafront where Kirkpatrick himself worked on the donkey rides during the summer holidays as a young boy.

Captain James Foster, 205 Battery, 101 Regt RA, said the commemoration also served to highlight the fact that more than 100 men from the area were killed in action at Gallipoli.

He said: “Kirkpatrick’s courageous story is remarkable and for us, as serving soldiers based in South Shields, it is an honour to be present at the commemoration service and the unveiling of the new war memorial.”

The service was attended by Honourable Alexander Downer, High Commissioner for Australia to the United Kingdom, and Rob Taylor, the deputy High Commissioner for New Zealand to the UK.

Wreaths were laid while The Last Post was played by buglers from the Durham Light Infantry.