Battle of Jutland: Jack Cornwell's grave given protected status

The grave of a boy sailor hailed a World War One hero has been given Grade II listed status.

Jack Cornwell died aged 16 after fighting in the Battle of Jutland. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery.

Memorials across the country are being protected ahead of the centenary of the naval battle.

A ceremony will take place at Manor Park Cemetery in London, where Jack's family will visit his grave.

The battle on 31 May 1916 saw 6,094 British and 2,551 German personnel lose their lives.

The Battle of Jutland was the largest sea battle in naval warfare history

Jack was serving on the HMS Chester on 30 May 1916 when it came under heavy fire from four German ships. All of Jack's gun crew were fatally injured.

He remained at his post awaiting orders, despite severe shrapnel wounds, but died on 2 June.

Following a national campaign which hailed him as the "boy hero" of the battle, Jack was awarded the Victoria Cross and buried in a new grave with full military honours.

Protected memorials

• Bishopsgate Memorial in London, which bears Jack's name, has been given a Grade II listing

• Memorials dedicated to those with no known grave at the naval ports of Chatham, Plymouth and Portsmouth, have been upgraded to the highest Grade I listing

• A memorial in Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, which is inscribed with 4,500 names of the army and navy dead, 500 of whom died in the Battle of Jutland, has had its listing upgraded to Grade II*

• A memorial at Leckhampstead, Berkshire, featuring a clock made with bayonets and spent bullets, has been given Grade II status

• Grade II* listed St Michael's church in Brooksby, Leicestershire, has had its listing enhanced to acknowledge its connections to Jutland

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David Evennett, World War One minister, said: "Jack Cornwell is one of the many brave sailors who lost their lives at the Battle of Jutland who we will honour at the centenary commemorations.

"It is important that their sacrifice is never forgotten. It is right that we list these important memorials to ensure they are protected for generations to come."