John Travers Cornwell, (1900-1916) Boy Seaman First Class, won his Victoria Cross at the age of just 16 and remains the youngest recipient of Britain’s highest award for courage in battle. In the spring of 1916 he joined the crew of the cruiser HMS Chester. On 31 May 1916 the ship entered the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval action of World War I. Cornwell took up his position as gun-layer as his ship raced through a fog bank toward gunfire. As the ship emerged it found itself faced by four German cruisers. In the ensuing battle, the Chester as hit 17 times. Cornwell served his gun well, but a German shell wiped out Cornwell’s entire crew, and badly injured himself. Despite his wounds, Cornwell stayed at his gun until medical orderlies arrived and took him below. He later died of his wounds. King George V insisted that the boy be given the VC when he heard of the action.
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Book Description
Written by expert authors Rupert Matthews and John
Birdsall, this highly illustrated guide, with photos and memorabilia of
people who have made their mark on history, includes key entries on each
individual, with boxes and biographies about competitors or
co-conspirators. With more than 400 extraordinary people in total it is a
fascinating look at some of the most colourful characters in history -
from ancient times right up-to the present day. Discover why Caligula
was mad, what made Napoleon seek to conquer, and who was really was the
most outlawed cowboy in the West.But, on the flip side of 'the coin of
fame', meet the people who have made their name by heroic acts or
astonishing feats of human endeavour. Find out who first broke the
four-minute mile, and what drove him on; which astronaughts have been
lucky enough to view the Earth from space; and who is the youngest war
hero ever to be decorated. "Heroes, Rascals and Rogues" takes a look at
some of the most unconventional people to have lived among us, in an
easy-to-read, illustrated format with interesting facts and figures that
will make this book hard to put down.
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