Cornwell Cottages, Hornchurch

Image: © Derek Voller Taken: 16 Apr 2009

These memorial cottages were named in honour of John Travers Cornwell (also known as Jack). In October 1915 he left his job as a delivery boy to join the Royal Navy. He was just 15 years of age. Having trained as a gun sight setter, May 31st of the following year found him as part of the crew of HMS Chester, and engaged in the Battle of Jutland. His ship came under heavy fire, with huge casualties. With all of his gun crew dead around him, and himself severely wounded, he stuck to his post awaiting further orders. The ship survived and John was taken to hospital in Grimsby where he died of his wounds on 2nd of June 1916. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, collected from King George V on his behalf by his grieving mother. There are many memorials to this brave boy all over the world. Including these lovely cottages. For detail of the memorial plaque on the left gatepost see Image by Dave K. To see a picture of his grave, go to Image by John Davies.

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