Famous figures - Jack Cornwell
Description
The story of John Travers 鈥楯ack鈥 Cornwell, a 16-year-old sailor who won the Victoria Cross for outstanding bravery during the Battle of Jutland in 1916. The story tells of how the young boy, who came from London, died shortly after being rescued from sea. He was manning his gun on board the HMS Chester during a ferocious sea battle in the North Sea in 1916. After his death, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most special award for bravery in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was one of the youngest-ever soldiers to receive this award.
Classroom Ideas
After viewing the animation, groups of children could research the history of the Battle of Jutland, using books, digital resources and the web. Children could be asked to write a short biography for Jack Cornwell, using the animation and further research into his life. They could compose a presentation and slideshow about what they have discovered. In role play, they could re-enact this story in a whole class presentations about World War One. They could also write a newspaper article on the events of Jack鈥檚 heroism.
World War 1
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