Calls continue for Victoria Cross recognition for Teddy Sheean

A shipmate of Teddy Sheean on the HMAS Armidale always credited his survival to Sheean’s actions, says the sailor’s nephew.

THE nephew of a seaman who survived the Armidale sinking says his uncle would not have survived to live out his “successful” life without the brave actions of Teddy Sheean.

An independent tribunal’s unanimous decision to award a Victoria Cross to Tasmanian World War II hero Edward “Teddy” Sheean was recently denied by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to much criticism.

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John Bryant, of Kettering, said his “Uncle Ron” was an Ordinary Seaman in 1942 alongside Sheean, who famously strapped himself to the sinking HMAS Armidale’s anti-aircraft gun and shot down the enemy to protect his crew.

Ordinary Seaman Ron Wilson, fourth from left, with other surviving HMAS Armidale crew.

“[Ron] was one of the few lucky ones, although he spent a long time in the water on a raft before being rescued with several others,” Mr Bryant said.

He said Ordinary Seaman Ron Wilson always put his survival down to Mr Sheean.

“Had it not been for his selfless actions, the result may have been totally different,” Mr Bryant said.

“I feel very strongly about it.

“Knowing the story as it’s evolved, I’m certainly pro Teddy getting a VC.”

Mr Bryant, now 75, said Mr Wilson was affected by his time as a 17-year-old in the war, but overcame his past to have two daughters and become a successful businessman, eventually running international South-East Asian, Australian and New Zealand company Gerrard Wire Tyring.

“He was always a bit of a fun fellow and a practical joker,” he said.

“He went on to live a very useful and good life and I think it’s in no small part down to Teddy Sheean.”

Mr Wilson died from a brain tumour at 59 in 1986.

Mr Bryant said he hoped the campaign to award Mr Sheean Australia’s highest wartime honour would not be used for “political mileage”.

Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese was among the vocal opponents of Mr Morrison’s decision.

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“Teddy Sheean deserves the Victoria Cross,” Mr Albanese said.

“It’s time for the Australian Government to follow their lead and do the right thing in honour of a brave Australian.”

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it was important for Sheean’s VC decision to be “above politics”.

“No one wants to see politics played in this environment,” he said.

“Teddy Sheean deserves his VC, we all recognise that.

“I know the Premier has been in touch with the Prime Minister over the weekend and those discussions are ongoing.”

Dale Marsh’s painting of Teddy Sheean, who lashed himself to his gun and fired until the HMAS Armadale sank. Picture: AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said the Sheean family were heartened to learn of further contact between Premier Peter Gutwein and Mr Morrison.

Mr Sheean’s nephew Garry Ivory said the family was “deeply appreciative” of the community’s overwhelming support.

“We believe Teddy’s VC should be above politics and I implore peope to advocate for Teddy’s VC on its merits and not use it politically or as an election issue,” he said.