A MEMBER of Redditch and Bromsgrove Sea Cadets has received a coveted award after gaining top marks in the country during his promotion to Cadet Petty Officer.

James Mitchell, a Year 12 pupil at St Augustine's High School, was presented with the Cornwell Medal by Commodore LP Brokenshire.

James demonstrated high levels of success in leadership tests, general navy knowledge, dress, bearing and teamwork.

The Cornwell Medal is given in memory of 16-year-old John Travers Cornwell.

Boy First Class Cornwell, of HMS Chester, was wounded early on during the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 during the First World War.

Despite his injuries, which proved fatal, he remained standing alone at an exposed post on the ship awaiting his orders until the end of the action, with the gun crew dead and wounded around him.

He died on June 2, 1916, and initially the true facts of his devotion to the ship were not known and he was buried in an ordinary war grave in Grimsby.

When the Admiralty learnt of his bravery, it drew up the papers needed to have his body exhumed and his coffin was taken to London where he was reburied with full military honours.

The Admiralty's recommendation that he receive the Victoria Cross was approved by King George V.

Lt Jim Kerwin, commanding officer of Redditch and Bromsgrove Sea Cadets, said: "This is a fantastic award for a cadet to receive.

"We're all very proud of James and his achievement and of all our cadets who have worked so hard.

"Something like this just goes to show what can be achieved when youngsters get off their backsides and aim for something."

The cadets are now recruiting adult staff instructors. Although former navy and military experience would be preferred, the cadets would like to hear from anyone who could teach the youngsters useful skills such as sailing, cookery, electrics or engineering.

Call Lt Kerwin on 596822 or 07843 569514 for more details.