Statue of VC winner Edward “Teddy” Sheean to be unveiled on Remembrance Day at Latrobe

A lifesized statue of one of Tasmania’s greatest war heroes Edward “Teddy” Sheean will be unveiled next month.

A life-size statue of Tasmanian Victoria Cross recipient ‘Teddy’ Sheean will be unveiled at Latrobe RSL on Remembrance Day.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Guy Barnett, said the statue was of national importance.

“I am proud that Ordinary Seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean VC will be honoured with a statue to commemorate his extraordinary acts of bravery during World War II,” Mr Barnett said.

A colourised picture of posthumous VC recipient Edward “Teddy” Sheean, who was killed in action aboard the HMAS Armidale.

“This will be a huge day, not just for Tasmania, but for Australia, and I want to pay a special thanks to Garry Ivory, the nephew of Teddy Sheean, for spearheading the campaign for 32 years.”

Sheean’s story has been synonomous with heroism since the young Tasmanian’s remarkable actions on December 1, 1942, when HMAS Armidale was under heavy attack by enemy aircraft.

Despite the order to abandon ship, and with the ship sinking, Sheean returned to his anti-aircraft gun, strapped himself in and continued to fire at enemy planes to protect his fellow sailors before he was killed.

Mr Barnett said Sheean’s actions that day saved many lives, and in 2020, after a lengthy campaign, Sheean was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military honour.

Dale Marsh's painting of Teddy Sheean, who lashed himself to his gun and fired until the HMAS Armadale sank. He gave others time to get away. Picture: Australian War Memorial.

“This statue will stand as a lasting tribute to his heroism, serving as a reminder of the values he embodied: courage, selflessness, and loyalty to his mates,” Mr Barnett said.

The statue will be officially unveiled on November 11, at 10:25am at Gilbert St, Latrobe, by the Chief of Navy and others.

Originally published as Statue of VC winner Edward “Teddy” Sheean to be unveiled on Remembrance Day at Latrobe