Extract from Hansard [ASSEMBLY - Thursday, 18 June 2009] p5230d-5231a Mr Colin Barnett

MAXWELL HENRY SHEAN — CONDOLENCE Statement by Premier MR C.J. BARNETT (Cottesloe — Premier) [9.12 am]: I take this opportunity to place on the record part of the remarkable life of Max Shean, a proud Western Australian and a true war hero. Maxwell Henry Shean was born in South Perth on 6 July 1918, the son of Henry and Gladys Shean. Growing up primarily in South Perth, Max spent his childhood when not at school exploring the river in homemade craft—a precursor to his lifelong love of the ocean. As an engineering student at the University of Western Australia in 1939, he became concerned about the escalation of conflict in Europe. On 25 June 1940, a newspaper advertisement appeared inviting applications from gentlemen with yachting experience to be commissioned as temporary acting sublieutenants in the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve and to be trained in antisubmarine duties. Max applied and was accepted on 14 August 1940. Max Shean started with the Navy on 28 October 1940 and, in April 1941, with his training complete and aged 23, he left Australia for active service. He joined convoy escort corvette Bluebell and spent 15 months escorting Liverpool-Gibraltar convoys. During this period, Max oversaw direct combat with German U-boats. In 1942, he responded to an admiralty appeal for volunteers to join special and hazardous service and was appointed to a new flotilla of 30-ton submarines. Max Shean took part in Operation Source as X9’s diver for the attack on the German battleship Tirpitz, in Operation Guidance in command of X24, and in sinking the German ammunition ship the Barenfels. Max was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for these operations. A second major period of service was as commander of XE4 in Operation Sabre, cutting submarine telegraph cables between Singapore and Tokyo, a particularly hazardous task, successful in part because of a grapnel that Max designed for the purpose. On 31 July 1945, he carried out his most dangerous action when he and fellow crew members cut a communication cable off Saigon. This allowed the allies to intercept secret Japanese radio transmissions that clarified that the Japanese had no intention of ceasing hostilities. This led the allies to drop the atomic bomb over Nagasaki and Hiroshima, which, in turn, led to the Japanese surrender. Max Shean was awarded a bar for his DSO for this operation and a United States of America Bronze Star. He arrived back at UWA in September 1945 where he recommenced his studies, graduated, and was then employed by the City of Perth Electricity and Gas Department. Later he oversaw electricity production for the Western Australian power grid. He was an active member of Perth Legacy and the Returned and Services League and Trinity Uniting Church, where he was both a Deacon and trustee. He was also an active cellist in various community orchestras and was heavily involved in many community groups and activities. In his memoirs Max Shean wrote in typically humble fashion — Over the years I have felt some concern over my ordinary level of achievement. I envied those of my schoolmates who demonstrated skill in their learning. I was seldom the first with an answer, though I passed exams regularly… I believe that [my achievements] were the result of perseverance; of never giving up. I do tend to see through to the finish whatever I commence. This does not require special skill; it is a matter of self-discipline. On 14 June 1944, Max married Mary Golding, with whom he had two daughters, Heather and Ruth—I think many members will know Ruth Shean—five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Max died the day after his sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. I am sure members will join in extending sympathies to Max Shean’s surviving family. Max Shean was a truly great Australian and a great war hero for this country. Members: Hear, hear!

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