Tasmanians Teddy Sheean and Francis Emms included in the Victoria Cross Inquiry
Local Tasmanians Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean and Leading Cook Francis Bassett Emms have been included in the Gillard Government’s Victoria Cross Inquiry.
The Gillard Government has asked the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal to inquire into unresolved recognition for past acts of naval and military gallantry and valour.
“I warmly welcome this announcement, particularly in relation to Teddy Sheean RAN and the less known Francis Richard Emms. These two brave Tasmanians lost their lives heroically defending their country and their mates,” local MP Sid Sidebottom said.
“I have been fighting for this since August 2000. There was a Labor bill put forward in the Parliament way back then. Unfortunately, the Liberal Government of the day opposed this attempt. It is good to see that some of its current members have now changed their minds on this matter,” Sid Sidebottom said.
“We should acknowledge the work of historians Frank Walker and John Bradford, the National Corvettes Association, Gary Ivory, Max Sheean, Rex Pullen, Captain Sam Benson RAN, Michael Carlton, Mr Fred White, the Latrobe RSL and many others in promoting the case of Teddy Sheean over the years. Their hard work should not be forgotten,” Sid Sidebottom said.
“There have been numerous acts of gallantry and valour by Australian naval and military servicemen since World War I,” Senator David Feeney, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence said.
“I am pleased that the Tribunal will inquire into recognition for thirteen naval and military personnel. Their brave acts of gallantry and valour deserve greater recognition. These Australians will now receive the national recognition that they deserve,” Senator Feeney said.
A call for submissions will be released shortly in the national press. Submissions to the Inquiry will close on 30 June 2011.
The full terms of reference for the inquiry and guidance on how to make a submission can be obtained at:www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au
The Tribunal can be contacted at:
Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal
Locked Bag 7765
CANBERRA BUSINESS CENTRE ACT 2610
or via e-mail to DHA.Tribunal [at] defence.gov.au
Media Contact: Lorna Clarke – 0408 345 730
