THE CORNWELL BADGE
The Cornwell Scout Badge is an award presented to Scouts in respect of pre-eminently high character and devotion to duty, together with great courage, endurance or gallantry. It is granted only to Scouts under the age of 18 who have an outstanding record of service and efficiency.
Jack Cornwell V.C.
On June 2nd. 1916, a Scout whose name has become a part of Scouting died in Grimsby Hospital - Jack Cornwell - he was 16 years old.
When he left school he became a van boy with a tea firm. When he was 15 he joined the Royal Navy, and in July 1915 he entered the Boys' Training Establishment at the Royal Naval Barracks in Devonport. In May 1916 he was appointed to H.M.S. Chester and acted as sight-setter on his gun, a most difficult and responsible position. He would receive his instructions by earphones from an Officer higher up who could see the target, and set the dials which governed the aiming of the gun.
It was World War I, and on May 31st. 1916, H.M.S. Chester was sent into action - the Battle of Jutland. The Chester engaged in battle with three or four enemy light cruisers. A salvo at short range swept the Chester's decks - the concentrated fire of all the guns of one of the cruisers, and it brought disaster to Jack Cornwell's gun crew. Every man was dead, dying or wounded - only Jack remained at his post, but his face was white and drawn. A shell fragment had struck him near the heart. He was dying.
The battle raged on, but still he stood alone despite great pain, waiting steadfastly for orders in case he might be wanted. The battle ended, and he was carried below.
He was buried with full naval honours. A thousand Scouts attended his funeral and he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The highest award for valour in the Scout Movement - the Bronze Cross,was awarded to him and sent to his parents by B.-P.
He was an ordinary boy, full of jokes and plans, but he kept his Promise, to do his duty to the King, just as Scouts have promised to do their duty to the Queen today. Since his death the Cornwell Scout Badge (sometimes known as the Scouts V.C.) has been awarded in his memory. All through Scout training the Scout Promise and Law is mentioned to try to show that it is part of how we live, not just something we say. Jack Cornwell kept his Promise - have we kept ours ?
For another interesting account of Jack Cornwell's story visit Jack Cornwell or John Travers Cornwell
Next, link to Arthur Shepherd - Scouts "C" Badge
"Middlesbrough Boy First to be Awarded One
His Splendid Courage" . . . . .
to learn how the first Cornwell Badge came to be awarded
