Battle resumes for Teddy Sheean’s Victoria Cross honour

Relatives of war hero Teddy Sheean remain hopeful he will finally receive his Victoria Cross.

Teddy Sheean’s nephews Grant Sheean and Garry Ivory in Hobart ahead of the hearing. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

HEARINGS into whether Edward “Teddy” Sheean should receive a Victoria Cross have started in Hobart with the navy declaring the Tasmanian-born war hero’s actions during World War II an enduring example of heroism.

The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal started hearings in Hobart on Monday after dismissing Sheean for a posthumous award in 2013.

While the tribunal had agreed Sheean had shown conspicuous gallantry, it ruled he had not reached the especially high standards required for the awarding of a VC.

Veterans Affairs Minister Guy Barnett applied for a review of that decision in October last year. He argued Sheean should be recognised for his actions and bravery during the sinking of HMAS Armidale.

The ship came under sustained attack from Japanese aircraft on December 1, 1942. Sheean, a loader on one of the ship’s three anti-aircraft guns, shot down an aircraft and stayed at his post until he was killed.

Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean.

Navy chief Michael Noonan said there was no doubt Sheean acted with courage, integrity and loyalty.

“Sheean would do anything for his country,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

“His spirit lives on in the modern sailors of today.”

Mr Barnett, who has long fought for acknowledgment of Sheean’s actions, made the argument the Lower Barrington-born sailor was deserving of the nation’s highest honour.

“It would have been heartbreaking and frightening for all aboard the Armidale — but Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean, a mere teenager with less than two years’ experience in the navy, decided to fight back,” Mr Barnett said.

“The real test of valour will always encompass a soldier, airman or sailor’s decision to risk or lay down their lives for their mates. Teddy Sheean chose to fight.”

Sheean’s nephews Garry Ivory and Grant Sheean attended Monday’s hearing and will give evidence on Tuesday.

“We’re a lot more prepared than we were at the hearing in 2012,” Mr Ivory said.

This would include comparisons between the actions of Seaman Sheean and modern recipients of the Victoria Cross.

Mr Sheean said: “Even though the four VCs from Afghanistan were won on land, the things that they did were very similar to what Teddy did in that they were protecting their teammates, while Teddy was protecting his shipmates.”

Hearings will continue at Hobart Town Hall on Tuesday.