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John Travis Cornwell VC
Royal Navy HMS Chester
(d.2nd June 1916)
John Cornwell was serving aboard HMS Chester during the Battle of Jutland when he was severely wounded. He remained at his post until HMS Chester retired from the action with only one main gun still working. According to one report: "Cornwell was found to be sole survivor at his gun, shards of steel penetrating his chest, looking at the gun sights and still waiting for orders".
He was taken to Grimsby General Hospital and his family were informed that he was seriously wounded. John Cornwall died of his wounds on 2nd June 1916 and was buried at Manor Park Cemetery in London.
In September 1916 Admiral David Beatty recommended that Cornwell for a posthumous Victoria Cross. "John Travers Cornwell, who was mortally wounded early in the action, but nevertheless remained standing alone at a most exposed post, quietly awaiting orders till the end of the action, with the gun's crew dead and wounded around him. He was under 16½ years old. I regret that he has since died, but I recommend his case for special recognition in justice to his memory and as an acknowledgement of the high example set by him."
