Royal navy Histroic figure inquiry?

Question

I am looking for information on a picture I saw in a book over 35 years ago, I don't remember the book title , all I remember is that there was a picture, possible of a painting, of a young Royal navy cadet, apprentice,mascot, etc. The "lad" was a young teen I believe, and he went down with a ship, manning a gun to the last, I believe it was a smaller ship, maybe a corvette or gun boat of some type. Very dramatic painting and story, but I cannot for the life of me remember anymore, only that it was possible between the the mid 1800s and WWI, after his death, He was awarded some major service medal or given some other award in recognition of his sacrifice. can anyone give me a possible lead on this person? I'm an American, I know longer live anywhere near where I grew up and read that book from a library . and my resources on Royal naval history are pretty far and few and in between, where I reside now. appreciate any info on this you can share.

John Travers Cornwell more than likely is him, but I can't seem to find the picture I remember, it was in color, and he was laying against the gun, and I seem to remember the ship went down? did the Chester sink? any other British Lad witha similar story? if not it's gotta be him.

Answer 1

He was John Travers Cornwell, a British Boy Seaman posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross during WW1.

Check out the link below.

http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/britishguide/jutland/john_travers_cornwell_boy_hms_chester.htm

Answer 2

trasosmontes is absolutely correct -

JOHN TRAVERS CORNWELL V.C. Boy, First Class, Royal Navy,
HMS Chester was a new light cruiser on its maiden voyage. Battle of Jutland 1916. There are some images at the link. I think the third one is the one you are thinking of.

HMS Chester was unable to continue fighting and was ordered to make for the Humber and the port of Immingham. On entering the estuary, she was met by tugs, which took off the wounded, including Jack.

Cornwell lived long enough to be taken ashore to the hospital in Grimsby, where he was attended by Admiralty Surgeon, Dr. C S Stephenson, who found the boy to be wonderfully brave when told that nothing could be done for him. Jack Cornwell died of his wounds on June 2nd, 1916. His mother had been informed by Admiralty telegraph that her son was seriously wounded, but it arrived after Jack had died. His last words were a message for his mother. He was only 16 years and 6 months old. Grimsby and District Hospital has since been demolished and replaced by the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital which has a 'Jack Cornwell' ward.

Answer 3

Might it be BoySeaman 1st Class John Cornwell, a 16 yr old aboard HMS Chester who remained at his gun post during the Battle of Jutland in 1916? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cornwell

He was postumously awarded the Victoria Cross, and the Court painter Frank O. Salisbury painted a portrait of him at his station: http://www.scouting.milestones.btinternet.co.uk/cornwell.htm
http://www.royalnavalmuseum.org/info_sheets_johncornwell.htm