VC nod for Sheean reaffirms status of Australia’s Defence Honours and Appeals tribunal, founder says

“Rightful” recommendation to award Edward “Teddy” Sheean the nation’s highest military honour is also a win for the future of Australia’s Defence Honours and Appeals Tribunal, its founder says. READ THE REACTION >>

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THE “rightful” recommendation to award Edward “Teddy” Sheean the nation’s highest military honour is also a win for the future of Australia’s Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, its founder says.

World War II ordinary seaman Teddy Sheean will become the first member of the Royal Australian Navy to be recognised with the Victoria Cross, subject to approval by the Queen.

Sheean’s impending posthumous honour was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week following advice from an expert panel chaired by Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson.

Scott Morrison had previously dismissed the unanimous recommendation from Australia’s Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal that Sheean should receive the VC.

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

Tribunal founder, Kevin O’Brien, who served several years as a board member, said that had a recommendation for Sheean to receive the VC not been announced, the tribunal could have folded.

A petition set up by Mr O’Brien saw more than 24,000 signatures call for the WWII gun loader to be recognised for his bravery after he strapped himself to a gun on board the HMAS Armidale and shot at fighters to protect his compatriots.

“I was fearful that had the recommendation not been accepted, it would have spelt the death of the appeals tribunal,” Mr O’Brien said.

Kevin O'Brien was appointed to establish the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal

“That would have been a travesty because the whole purpose of the tribunal was to take politics out of these decisions.

“That was my reason for starting the position – it wasn’t just to support Teddy, it was really about supporting the tribunal.

“I’m pleased the system has worked and the role of the tribunal has been reaffirmed. That is the most important thing for me, other than Teddy Sheean’s vindication.”

Mr O’Brien said “it would be hard to see someone who sacrificed more than Teddy did”.

“All the elements of a worthy VC recipient were there. He went back to the gun and he was doing what he was to help the sailors in the water – he sacrificed for the good of others and is a rightful VC recipient.”

Naval Association of Australia Tasmania president Brian Ellis said a VC for Sheean provided recognition for “some of the wonderful achievements naval officers do under duress”.

“It is a momentous thing for the navy and has been a long time coming,” he said.

“I was in a bit of disbelief when I heard the announcement after all the disappointment over the years.”