The ordinary seaman was serving on the HMAS Armidale when it was attacked on December 1, 1942 and the crew ordered to abandon ship, but when he saw enemy aircraft strafing his shipmate in the water, he returned to his anti-aircraft gun and fired at them until he went down with the ship.

Nephew Garry Ivory, of Launceston, said that he believed a military tribunal finding in March, that his uncle's actions did not reach the standard required for a VC, was flawed.

He began collecting signatures on a petition requesting a review of the decision.

Mr Ivory yesterday handed a 5175-signature petition to Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic who promised to present it to parliament ``at the next available opportunity'' and congratulated Mr Ivory on his indefatigable efforts over many years. Mr Ivory said  the campaign for recognition would continue. 

``Teddy never gave up and neither will we,'' he said.

``We believe he deserves nothing less than a VC and that is our ultimate aim.''

Mr Ivory said that the two remaining survivors from that December 1 day each supported the campaign. Mr Nikolic said that the petition showed broad support for the review, not just from ordinary seaman Sheean's relatives, but people right around the country.