BFC John T. Cornwell at his Post
on HMS Chester - May 31, 1916
This painting shows Boy First Class Jack Cornwell serving at a disabled 5.5" Mark I gun on the foredeck of HMS Chester, a freshly commissioned Town class cruiser, during the Battle of Jutland. The gun crew was cut down by shellfire from four German light cruisers, with only the mortally wounded Cornwell left alive. The 16-year-old mariner remained steadfastly at his post, awaiting orders under fire, slowly bleeding out until relieved more than 15 minutes after his gun was hit. He was rushed to the hospital ashore as soon as the Chester arrived, but passed over on June 2, 1916, two days after he was wounded. For his somewhat passive (but nonetheless impressive) display of courage, Cornwell was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross -- Britain's highest decoration for valour.
This painting by Frank O. Salisbury was turned into a patriotic poster. It is a remarkably detailed and realistic view of the carnage of modern naval warfare. All pictures this page: IWM, except as noted.
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