Celebrating mateship and bravery
We mark the end of Australia’s involvement in war 75 years ago, a time to recognise the sacrifices of thousands of Tasmanians, including Teddy Sheean, writes Guy Barnett
TODAY our nation will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day and the end of World War II. On August 15, 1945, Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced the end of the war and the unconditional surrender of Japan to the Allied Forces on August 14, 1945. The announcement of Japan’s surrender triggered celebrations in the streets and in homes across Australia.
Australians had been at war for more than five years, and the Victory in the Pacific marked the end of Australia’s involvement. Almost one million Australians served in World War II, with about 40,000 lives lost.
World War II was of particular significance for Tasmania. From a population of just 250,000, more than 30,000 Tasmanians served.
It is also estimated that nearly 16,000 people, including 5000 women, worked in factories and on the land to support the war effort and supply the armed forces with vegetables, dairy and meat products.
Just this week we were privileged to learn that one of that extraordinary generation, Ordinary Seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean, of Latrobe, had been recommended for a posthumous Victoria Cross by the Prime Minister in recognition of his bravery, mateship and sacrifice.
He was just 18 years old when he chose protecting his mates over a chance of survival by returning to an anti-aircraft gun, even though he was a loader and not a gunner, and returning fire on the enemy fighter planes.
He went down with the HMAS Armidale on December 1, 1942, still firing. He refused the chance to board a lifeboat while his ship was sinking, returned to his Oerlikon gun, shot down at least one enemy aircraft and went down with the ship while defending his shipmates from enemy attack.
Of the men on the Armidale, 49 survived the sinking, no doubt due in part to Sheean’s extraordinary bravery, mateship and sacrifice.
Teddy fought in the War in the Pacific and the HMAS Armidale sank near East Timor, so it was somewhat fitting that finally, in the week of the 75th anniversary of this conflict that was protecting Australia, he should be recommended for his country’s highest military award.
This will be the first Victoria Cross for the Royal Australian Navy and acknowledgment of the sacrifice of many men on the HMAS Armidale, the wider navy community and the Tasmanian veteran community.
As with Anzac Day this year, a variety of ways to commemorate Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day) with the restrictions in place have been developed.
We invite all Tasmanians to recognise this important day and remember the Tasmanians who lost their lives in World War II by tuning in to the national service being held at the
Australian War Memorial commencing at 9.30am. Tasmanians can also say thank you to a veteran who they may know for their service.
Due to pandemic restrictions, a small private service will be held at Government House at 11am, with wreaths laid on behalf of the Tasmanian community and veterans. This service will not be open to the public.
Acknowledging the significance of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Department of Veterans Affairs has produced a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration.
The medallion and certificate are being made available to every living veteran of World War II. While Australia can never repay the debt we owe almost one million Australians who served, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way we can thank living veterans of the largest global conflict of the 20th century.
Applications can be made by visiting the DVA website or by phone on (02) 6191 8217.
The end of World War II was a time of great joy, celebration and elation, as well as deep sorrow.
In a week when we commemorate the 75th anniversary of VP Day, we can also celebrate the recommendation of a VC for Teddy Sheean and send a message to the young people of Australia that mateship, bravery and sacrifice are enduring qualities to be respected through the ages.
Lest we forget.