| Accession Number | 044155 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white |
| Physical description | Black & white |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio portrait of the Sheean family. Identified left to right, back row: H1617 Ordinary Seaman ...
Description
Studio portrait of the Sheean family. Identified left to right, back row: H1617 Ordinary Seaman Edward (Teddy) Sheean RAN; 6849 (VX51790) Private Frederick Sheean. Front row: James Sheean; Mary Sheean and VX52321 Private William Henry Sheean. Teddy Sheean was killed on 1 December 1942 during an attack by Japanese aircraft which sank HMAS Armidale. After the order to 'abandon ship' OS Teddy Sheean, although twice wounded, stayed at his post at the aft Oerlikon gun bringing down an enemy bomber. He was still firing when the ship sank. For his part in this action he was posthumously awarded a Mention in Despatches; in 2020 this award was upgraded to the Victoria Cross for Australia.