Today I was privileged to present the case for Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal during public hearings in Hobart.
Teddy Sheean is one of Tasmania’s best-known wartime servicemen. Born in Latrobe, he was just 18 when he died on board HMAS Armidale in 1942, defending his shipmates from enemy attack whilst his ship sank beneath him.
Along with members of the Sheean family and others, I have fought for more than 16 years to see Teddy’s extraordinary bravery recognised with a Victoria Cross and I am more hopeful than ever of gaining appropriate recognition for him.
Teddy’s courageous act ranks him alongside other distinguished service men and women who have received our highest military honour for bravery, the Victoria Cross. Many in the community believe that Sheean deserves to be recognised for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow shipmates.
It is of note that of Australia’s 100 Victoria Cross recipients none served with the Royal Australian Navy.
The time has come for this exceptional Tasmanian to be recognised.
Hearings continue tomorrow with members of the public welcome to attend. Further information, including registration for attendance purposes, can be found at: https://defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au/home/2019-tribunal-hearings-ordinary-seaman-edward-teddy-sheean/