Portsmouth sailor's pride at following in his heroic relative's footsteps

A RELATIVE of Victoria Cross winner Jack Cornwell (pictured right) has told of his pride at following in his great-great-uncle's footsteps by joining the Royal Navy.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Jun 2016, 01:01 BST

Updated 1st Jun 2016, 02:08 BST

Able Seaman Alex Sardis (left), who is based in Portsmouth, was part of the service held on Orkney yesterday to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland – where his 16-year-old relative died.

AB Sardis, 23, said: ‘When I joined the navy I knew only a little about Jack Cornwell. I didn’t really realise just how important a character he was.

‘Now that I have learned more about him and his importance to the history of the Royal Navy, I feel extremely honoured to have that personal connection and to be able to help mark this anniversary.

‘I can’t begin to imagine what Jack went through on that ship 100 years ago and I can only hope I never have to. He has set the bar high for my own military career, and I hope I am able to keep to the standard he set.’