A SWINDON sailor who bravely fought in one of the biggest naval battles in history will be remembered at its centenary commemorations next month.

On May 31 1916, seaman Robert Joseph Goodman, who lived in Maxwell Street, set sail into the Battle of Jutland, the biggest naval conflict in World War One.

Jutland, fought off the coast of Denmark, saw the British Grand Fleet face off against the German High Seas Fleet in a two-day battle, which involved 250 ships and tens of thousands of men.

More than 6,000 British lives were lost and more than 2,500 Germans.

The noble sailor, who signed up to the Royal Navy when he was just 21, earned praise from King George V for his achievements in the battle.

Robert’s grandson and fellow Navy veteran Bob Goodman, 63, will fly the flag for his beloved grandfather at the national commemoration ceremony in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands next month.

Bob, from Plymouth, said he was determined to do his grandfather proud at the ceremony which marks 100 years to the day the battle commenced.

“It makes me feel immensely proud and very emotional looking through his service history," said Bob.

“With this year being the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland it’s an incredibly poignant time of reflection.

“Unless you know what life was like on board those ships you could have no idea what they went through.

“He was my inspiration for joining the Navy. And having served myself, it makes you realise how in comparison, we had it so good. I still wear his medals."

Born in 1888, Robert completed a seven-year apprenticeship at the Great Western Railways works before signing up with the Royal Navy on May 19 1910.

The chief engine room artificer served aboard Devonport-based warship HMS Gloucester. While on-board the Gloucester crew were ordered to hunt the German battleships SMS Goeben and SMS Breslau.

During WW1 Robert also served on HMS Argus, HMS Benbow and HMS Berwick.

“The Gloucester then carried out duties in the Adriatic prior to joining the battle fleet at Jutland, where my grandfather participated in the battle,” said Bob.

“HMS Gloucester survived to continue duties back in the Med and the Far East.”

He married Nellie Isabel Gabb in 1916 before welcoming son Desmond Robert in 1920 at the Cheriton Nursing Home, Westlecot Road.

Just before his 50th birthday, courageous Robert was once again called on by the Navy and re-enlisted to fight in World War Two.

Bob said: “He once again survived the conflict. He served on a number of RN ships including HMS Cardiff, HMS Cabot, HMS Caroline and HMS Ferret.

“His service in World War Two saw him again recognised by the King and he was awarded the British Empire Medal – this time for ‘zeal and wholehearted devotion to duty’.”

The war-time hero, who died in 1977 aged 89, always remained modest about his achievements on the high seas.

“He didn’t talk a lot about the conflicts .I wish I’d asked more now,” said Bob.

“I have fond memories of my grandfather. Although he didn’t live in our house he was a great inspiration to me personally.”

SCHOOLBOY seaman John ‘Jack’ Cornwell went down in history as Jutland Jack and the third youngest recipient of the Victoria Cross with his bravery in the battle.

Born on January 8 1900 in Leyton, London, John, known as Jack, enlisted in the Royal Navy aged just 15.

On May 30 1916, thousands of sailors, including Jack, sailed from bases in Scotland and the Orkney Islands, after hearing the German Navy was on the move.

On June 1 at 5.30pm, Jack’s ship came under fire from the German Fleet. Shells hit Jack’s ship, HMS Chester, killing or badly wounding all of the gun-men aboard. With shells still hitting the ship, Jack showed remarkable courage by maintaining his post.

After the battle, medics arrived to find him still manning his post and waiting for orders, despite being grievously injured with shards of steel in his chest.

He was taken to hospital in Grimsby, but died on June 2 before his mother could reach him.

The school-boy’s heroism was commemorated with the highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, posthumously awarded by King George V.

To honour the anniversary in the town, the Royal British Legion Pop-In Information and Advice Centre in Regent Street will host a Battle of Jutland themed coffee morning. with the help of local sea cadets.

At least 15 sailors from Swindon and surrounding areas took part in the naval battle.

In a bid to encourage residents to commemorate the anniversary of the battle, The Legion is offering free commemorative packs to download.

The packs, known as ‘toolkits’, enable people to hold their own commemorative event or service and include an act of remembrance, readings and music, posters, key facts and infographics.

A similar commemorative pack is also available for download for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme which is on July 1.

The commemorative packs can be downloaded from the Legion’s website atbritishlegion.org.uk/jutland100 or britishlegion.org.uk/somme100