Nephew urges Teddy VC

Says uncle owed ‘successful life’ to Tassie hero

THE nephew of an HMAS Armidale survivor says his uncle would not have lived out his “successful” life without the brave actions of Teddy Sheean.

Kettering man John Bryant said his Uncle Ron was an Ordinary Seaman in 1942 alongside Teddy Sheean, who famously strapped himself to a machine gun and died firing at attacking Japanese aircraft as the ship sank.

“[Ron] was one of the few lucky ones, although he spent a long time in the water on a raft before being rescued,” Mr Bryant said.

Seaman Ron Wilson always put his survival down to Teddy Sheean, he said.

“Had it not been for his selfless actions, the result may have been totally different,” Mr Bryant said.

“Knowing the story as it’s evolved, I’m certainly pro Teddy getting a VC.”

An independent tribunal’s unanimous decision to recommend a Victoria Cross be awarded to the Tasmanian World War II hero has been denied by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Mr Bryant, 75, said his uncle was deeply affected by his war experience but raised two daughters and became a successful businessman who ran an international company.

“He was always a bit of a fun fellow and a practical joker,” he said. “He went on to live a very useful and good life and I think it’s in no small part down to Teddy Sheean.”

Mr Wilson died in 1986 from a brain tumour at 59.

Mr Bryant said he hoped the campaign to award Teddy Sheean Australia’s highest wartime honour would not be used for “political mileage”.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese is among the outspoken opponents of Mr Morrison’s decision.

“Teddy Sheean deserves the Victoria Cross,” Mr Albanese said. “It’s time for the Australian Government to follow their lead and do the right thing in honour of a brave Australian.”

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it was important for Teddy Sheean’s VC decision to be “above politics”.

“No one wants to see politics played in this environment,” he said. “Teddy Sheean deserves his VC, we all recognise that.

“I know the Premier has been in touch with the Prime Minister over the weekend and those discussions are ongoing.”

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said the Sheean family were heartened to learn of further contact between Premier Peter Gutwein and Mr Morrison.

Mr Sheean’s nephew Garry Ivory said the family was “deeply appreciative” of the community’s support.

“We believe Teddy’s VC should be above politics and I implore people to advocate for Teddy’s VC on its merits and not use it politically,” he said.