The two cranes towering over the Australian War Memorial have been dubbed Duffy and Teddy, in honour of legendary figures from Australia’s military history. 

Six-year-old Dakota from Neville Bonner Primary School chose Duffy in memory of Simpson’s donkey, who did the “heavy lifting” to carry injured soldiers to safety at Gallipoli.

Teddy was submitted by six-year-old Lara from St Gregory’s Primary School in memory of Teddy Sheean VC, Australia’s most recent recipient of Australia’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross.

During World War II, Navy crew member Edward “Teddy” Sheean strapped himself to his gun on the sinking HMAS Armidale to shoot at Japanese aircraft and keep them away from his comrades in the water.

He was awarded the top military medal in 2020, 78 years after his heroic sacrifice. 

The two cranes will be stationed at the war memorial for two years as part of the extensive $500 million redevelopment of the heritage building.

Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson marvelled at the creative names submitted by Canberra school children to the crane-naming competition. 

“To see names entered such as Poppy, Anzac and Biscuit, accompanied by the fantastic colouring-in done by the students made for a great day at the memorial,” he said.

“The memorial will be telling the stories of modern veterans and it is crucial to be able to involve the next generation in the process.”

By Poppy Johnston in Canberra