A RETIRED soldier from Little Sutton has written a novel based on the life of a young war hero.
John Sutton, of Links Avenue, retired from the Army five years ago and has always had a strong interest in history, particularly that of the armed forces.
On leaving the Army he became interested in the story of Jack Cornwell, who was awarded the Victoria Cross.
John said: “I met Jack Cornwell's niece in 1996 at a memorial parade in his honour and decided that his was a story worth the telling.”
Cornwell entered the Royal Navy in 1915 aged just 16 and was assigned to HMS Chester.
By 1916 he became one of the most celebrated heroes of the war.
Cornwell was mortally wounded in the early stages of the Battle of Jutland, despite this he remained at his gun post, facing enemy fire waiting for orders. All but two of his comrades were injured or killed during the heavy fire and despite them dying around him, he bravely remained at his gun.
In recognition of his exceptional act he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
John said: “I wrote the book because I don’t want his story to be forgotten. He is an important part of HMS Chester’s history, and for such a young boy so very brave.”
There is a shrine to Jack Cornwell in Chester Cathedral and the Scouts have a special Boy Cornwell badge which is given to boys who have shown great courage and devotion to their duty.
John Sutton’s book The Size of the Dog: A Novel Based on the Life of John Travers Cornwall VC is available from Waterstones, Amazon and WHSmith.
