Who was Jack Cornwell and what did he do? | History for Year 6 PDF Download

Who was Jutland Jack?

John Travers Cornwell, nicknamed ‘Jutland Jack’, was a young sailor who lost his life during the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of World War One. For his extraordinary courage in the battle, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest honor for bravery in combat. Jack was among the youngest recipients of this prestigious award during the war.

Jack's Early Life

• Family: Born on January 8, 1900, in Leyton, Essex (now part of the London borough of Newham), John Travers Cornwell, known as Jack, grew up in a large family with five siblings. His family was not wealthy, and his father worked multiple jobs, including as a soldier, milkman, and tram driver, to support them.
• School: Jack attended Walton Road School after moving to Little Ilford. In the early 1900s, children aged 5 to 14 were required to attend school, though some left early to work. At age 13, Jack left school to work as a delivery boy for a tea company, delivering goods on vans.
• Boy Scouts: Jack developed a passion for outdoor activities through his involvement in the Boy Scouts. He earned several badges and was recognized for his bravery after rescuing a girl trapped in a drain.

How Jack Joined the Navy

• When World War One began in August 1914, Jack, like many others, sought to enlist. Initially rejected by the Navy for being too young, he reapplied in July 1915 without his parents’ consent, using references from his employer and former headmaster. 
• This time, he was accepted and sent to Devonport near Plymouth for training as a gun layer or ‘sight setter.’ 
• There, he learned to aim guns accurately, follow orders, and work as part of a ship’s crew.

The Battle of Jutland

On May 2, 1916, Jack joined the crew of HMS Chester, which sailed to the North Sea with approximately 400 men to confront German ships. On May 31, 1916, British forces spotted German ships off the coast of Jutland, Denmark, and the Battle of Jutland began with intense gunfire.

What Happened to Jack?

• During the battle, HMS Chester was bombarded by four German ships. Shells struck the ship, killing or severely injuring all members of Jack’s gun crew. Despite being in pain and with the ship still under attack, Jack remained at his post, awaiting orders. 
• Rescuers found him alive but gravely wounded by metal splinters. 
• HMS Chester managed to return to port, and Jack was taken to a hospital in Grimsby. His mother was summoned, but Jack succumbed to his injuries on June 2, 1916, before her arrival.

How Do We Remember Jack?

Jack’s story of bravery captured widespread attention during World War One, appearing in newspapers like the Daily Mirror and various books. His courage and sacrifice made him a symbol of heroism, resonating deeply with the public at the time.