Watch: the life of Jack Cornwell
Why is Jack famous?
- Jack Cornwell was a young sailor who died during the Battle of Jutland, the biggest sea battle of World War One.
- He was awarded a Victoria Cross for his bravery in battle.
- Jack was one of the youngest people to be awarded a Victoria Cross during World War One.
Jack鈥檚 childhood
Jack, was born in Essex, in January 1900.
He was one of six children.
His father worked as a soldier, a milkman and a tram driver.
When Jack was 13 he left school to become a delivery boy, where he worked on vans delivering goods for a tea company.
He became a scout and loved outdoor adventures.
Joining the Navy
In August 1914 the war began.
Jack applied to the Navy. He was turned away because he was too young.
In July 1915 he tried again without his parents鈥 permission.
This time Jack was accepted into the Navy.
He learned how to aim the guns at a target, and how to obey orders.
The Battle of Jutland
After completing his training, Jack joined the crew of HMS Chester on 2 May 1916.
On 31 May 1916 British sailors spotted German ships off Jutland in Denmark, so the guns opened fire.
What happened to Jack?
Four German ships fired at Jack鈥檚 ship.
All of Jack鈥檚 gun-crew were killed or badly wounded.
Only Jack was left standing.
Although he was in pain and with shells still hitting the ship, he stayed by his gun waiting for orders.
When rescuers found him, he was alive but badly wounded by flying splinters of metal.
His ship got back home and Jack was taken to hospital.
He died on 2nd June 1916.
How do we remember Jack?
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Activities
Activity 1: Quiz 鈥 Life of Jack Cornwell
Activity 2: History Explorer game
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