A life-size statue of Ordinary Seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean will be unveiled in Latrobe on Remembrance Day.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Guy Barnett said the statue is of national importance and will be a tribute to Sheean’s extraordinary bravery during World War II.
“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,” Barnett said.
“This will be a huge day, not just for Tasmania, but for Australia.”
Sheean, a Latrobe local, was serving on HMAS Armidale when it was attacked by Japanese aircraft off the coast of Timor on December 1, 1942.
Despite orders to abandon ship, 18-year-old Sheean remained at his anti-aircraft gun, firing at enemy planes and protecting his fellow sailors as the ship sank.
His actions saved many lives and he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross in 2020, Australia’s highest military honour.
The statue, located at 89 Gilbert Street, will be unveiled on November 11, 2024 at 10:25am by the Chief of Navy.
“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,” Barnett.
