Last ditch effort to award Victoria Cross for Teddy Sheean

Public hearings may finally pave the way for Tasmanian World War II hero Edward “Teddy” Sheean to be posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross.

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

PUBLIC hearings may finally pave the way for Tasmanian World War II hero Edward “Teddy” Sheean to be posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross.

Federal Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester will today announce recognition for Seaman Sheean will be reviewed by an independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal in Hobart later this month. The review follows an application by Tasmanian Veterans’ Affairs Minister Guy Barnett, who wants Sheean acknowledged for his actions and bravery during the sinking of HMAS Armidale off the coast of Timor in December 1942.

Sheean died strapped to his gun after shooting down a Japanese aircraft while trying to save his shipmates as they escaped the sinking ship.

Tasmanian World War II hero Edward “Teddy” Sheean.

The tribunal previously dismissed the posthumous award in 2013 after concluding that although Sheean showed conspicuous gallantry, he had not reached the particularly high standard required for a VC.

For almost the past 30 years Launceston’s Garry Ivory has been fighting for the recognition of his uncle’s courage.

He will give evidence on behalf of the family.

Mr Ivory said it would mean everything for his uncle to be awarded a VC.

“It’s getting a lot of legs this time, hopefully that peer pressure will show on the tribunal,” he said.

“We’re pretty sure we’ll get a fair hearing. If Teddy Sheean doesn’t fit the criteria then I’d like to know who does.”

Mr Barnett said he was delighted the tribunal had accepted his application.

He said the case for Sheean to receive a VC was “very strong”. “A review is deserved and required to give official recognition of Teddy Sheean,” Mr Barnett said.

“It has been a long and hard campaign and now after more than 15 years I am more hopeful than ever of gaining appropriate recognition for Teddy Sheean.

“Like Teddy we will never give up — we will fight on.”

Mr Chester said he was pleased the tribunal was holding public hearings as part of the review and was confident it would resolve the longstanding issue for Sheean’s family. “I look forward to receiving the tribunal’s recommendations, once the hearings and the tribunal’s further deliberations are completed,” he said.

The tribunal will also hear submissions from Mr Barnett, the Tasmanian Returned and Services League branch and Defence Department representatives.

The hearings will be held in on March 25-26 at Hobart Town Hall.