Chance to get teeth into new tribute to Teddy
A NEW tribute to Victoria Cross recipient Teddy Sheean has been launched ahead of Anzac Day.
The tins of Anzac biscuits from Cripps Bakery feature a picture of the war hero on the front and the story of his bravery on the back.
Cripps Bakery operations manager Stephen Harvey said 3000 tins had already been sold in pre-orders and another 3000 were on order to keep up with demand.
“We are proud Tasmanians and to be able to honour a Tasmanian recipient of the Victorian Cross has certainly been a privilege,” he said.
Teddy Sheean’s nephew Garry Ivory said it was fantastic tribute.
“It keeps Teddy’s brave deed on the Armidale on the first of December 1942 out there and the story will continue to be told for many many years,” he said. The 18-year-old sacrificed his own life and saved many others when he ignored an order to abandon ship after they came under heavy fire from Japanese aircraft, strapping himself to an anti-aircraft gun and continuing to fire at enemy planes until he went down with the ship as it sank.
Crews from the HMAS Sheean and the HMAS Armidale will be marching together in an Anzac Day parade in northern Tasmania. “To see those two ships in Devonport … will be like Teddy’s coming home to celebrate his VC,” Mr Ivory said.
Veterans Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said his service and sacrifice should never be forgotten. On Thursday Cripps donated $1500 to Legacy Launceston to assist with their work.
The biscuits will be available from Monday in IGA supermarket and independent stores across Tasmania.