The Royal Australian Navy’s highest decorated sailor, Warrant Officer Ben Sime MG, has been immortalised in a portrait to be displayed at the Fleet air Arm Museum.
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The portrait of the Medal for Gallantry recipient was unveilled as part of the Centenary of Naval Aviation commemorations at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra.
“It is a tremendous honour to be captured in the portrait,” he said.
Acclaimed artist George Petrou, who has painted a stunning collection of works, Reflections of the the Lost Diggers of Vignacourt, produced the artwork.
The portrait was revealed in front of a crowd that included Keith Payne VC and his wife Flo, Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Tim Barrett and Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore Chris Smallhorn.
“It was very special having the portrait unveiled in front of some very special people, including my wife,” Warrant Officer Sime said.
“It was an absolute honour.”
WO Sime was contacted by Mr Petrou a few months ago and asked if he was willing to pose for the portrait.
“I ended up sending him a collection of photographs and he came up with this,” he said.
“It’s a good likeness, apart from the beard.”
Warrant Officer Ben Sime was awarded the Medal for Gallantry in 2004, following HMAS Stuart’s deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Catalyst.
The then Leading Seaman Aircrewman was serving as the sensor operator in Stuart’s embarked Seahawk helicopter.
On the night of April 24, terrorists in fishing dhows launched a series of attacks against Iraqi oil terminals.
One dhow, packed with explosives, was detonated when a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) from USS Firebolt drew alongside to challenge it.
Stuart immediately rendered assistance through its Seahawk.
On approaching the scene it was observed that the RHIB had capsized and all of its occupants were in the water.
Three American sailors were killed and four seriously wounded.
Several unsuccessful attempts were made to get one injured sailor, who was suffering serious head lacerations, into a rescue strop lowered from the helicopter.
When he went under the water, passed out, a decision was made for Sime to enter the water and provide direct assistance.
Moments after he did so, two further attacks were launched against the nearby oil terminals.
Showing outstanding courage, he remained, supporting the sailor in his care without regard for his own safety, as the action unfolded around him, until he was himself recovered by Stuart’s RHIB.
In recognition of his deeds he was awarded the Medal for Gallantry.
The portrait will be on permanent display in the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross.