A life-size statue of Ordinary Seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean VC will be unveiled in Latrobe on Remembrance Day.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Guy Barnett, said that this statue is of national importance.
“I am proud that Ordinary Seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean VC will be honoured with a statue to commemorate his extraordinary acts of bravery during World War II,” Minister Barnett said.
“This will be a huge day, not just for Tasmania, but for Australia – and I want to pay a special thanks to Garry Ivory, the nephew of Teddy Sheean VC for spearheading the campaign for 32 years.
“It was my honour to campaign with Garry, the Sheean family, the RSL, veterans and others for 17 years to secure the Victoria Cross.
“Teddy Sheean VC, a proud Tasmanian, displayed remarkable courage on 1 December 1942, when HMAS Armidale was under heavy attack by enemy aircraft.
“His actions saved many lives, and in 2020, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military honour.
“Despite the order to abandon ship, with the ship sinking, Sheean returned to his anti-aircraft gun, strapped himself in and continued to fire at enemy planes to protect his fellow sailors.
“This statue will stand as a lasting tribute to his heroism, serving as a reminder of the values he embodied: courage, selflessness, and loyalty to his mates.”
Hosted by Latrobe Council, the statue will be officially unveiled on Monday, 11 November 2024 at 10:25am at 89 Gilbert Street, Latrobe, by the Chief of Navy and others.
