Guy Barnett,Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
The Expert Panel convened by the Prime Minister to review the case for a posthumous Victoria Cross for Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean will present its findings to the Federal Government on Friday.
Teddy Sheean was just 18 when he died on board HMAS Armidale in 1942. He refused the chance to board a lifeboat while his ship was sinking, returned to his Oerlikon gun and went down with the ship while defending his shipmates from enemy attack.
The high calibre Expert Panel is chaired by Brendan Nelson, a former Defence Minister and Director of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, and the Prime Minister is expected to make a decision after considering the advice of the Expert Panel.
Earlier this month, as the original applicant, I was given the opportunity to present the case in support of a Victoria Cross for Teddy Sheean. The Expert Panel also heard evidence from Teddy Sheean’s nephews Garry Ivory and Grant Sheean, and others.
Last year the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal unanimously recommended that Teddy be awarded a Victoria Cross for Australia.
Along with Teddy Sheean’s family, I believe the evidence presented to the Expert Panel and extensive evidence considered by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal makes an overwhelming case for a posthumous Victoria Cross for Teddy.
We look forward to the Federal Government’s response to the Expert Panel’s report and remain of the view that Teddy’s extraordinary bravery should be recognised with Australia’s highest honour, the Victoria Cross.
Lest We Forget.
