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Victoria Cross - Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson
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Victoria Cross - Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson
Victoria Cross posthumously awarded to John Travers Cornwell (1900-1916) - for his gallantry at the Battle of Jutland. Cornwell was a Boy Seaman First Class on H.M.S Chester. H.M.S Chester was on the front lines at the Battle of Jutland and came under fire from four Kaiserliche Marine cruisers. John was the sole survivor of all the gun turret positions and remained at his position, though severely wounded, until the battle ended. He died in hospital of his wounds and was awarded a Victoria Cross after his death in honour of his bravery and determination. Cornwell is the third-youngest recipient of the VC. The epitaph on his gravestone reads: " It is not wealth or ancestry but honourable conduct and a noble disposition that maketh men great." Date: 1916
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Media ID 11549949
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Award Brave Bravery Chester Cornwell Determination Gallant Gallantry Jack Jutland Medal Position Sailor Sole Survivor Travers Turret Valour Vivid Wreath
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This poignant photograph captures the Victoria Cross medal, posthumously awarded to John Travers Cornwell in 1916. The medal was presented in recognition of his extraordinary gallantry during the Battle of Jutland, one of the largest naval battles of World War I. At just 18 years old, Cornwell, a Boy Seaman First Class on H.M.S. Chester, found himself on the front lines as his ship came under relentless fire from four Kaiserliche Marine cruisers. Amidst the chaos and destruction, Cornwell was the sole survivor of all the gun turret positions. Despite being severely wounded, he refused to abandon his post and remained determined to see the battle through to its end. Tragically, Cornwell did not survive his wounds and passed away in hospital shortly after the battle. His bravery and unwavering determination in the face of adversity were honored posthumously with the prestigious Victoria Cross, making him the third-youngest recipient of this esteemed award. The epitaph on Cornwell's gravestone reads, "It is not wealth or ancestry but honorable conduct and a noble disposition that maketh men great." This powerful quote encapsulates the essence of Cornwell's character and the values that defined his heroic actions during the Battle of Jutland. This photograph, adorned with a wreath and the distinctive uniform of the Royal Navy, serves as a poignant reminder of the valor and sacrifice displayed by John Travers Cornwell and the countless other brave men and women who served during World War I.
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