D-Day Hero Sidney Cornell Honored for His Legacy and Inspiration Behind Call of Duty Character

TDT | Manama

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Born amidst the backdrop of Portsmouth in 1913, Sgt. Sidney Cornell is a significant figure in military history for being the first black paratrooper to land in Normandy on D-Day. An exhibition recently held in his hometown celebrated his bravery and remarkable contributions during World War II. Serving with the 7th Parachute Battalion, Cornell was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for his gallantry during the harrowing events of 1944. His story, long overlooked, has gained renewed attention through ongoing research by his great-nephew, Chris Cornell, and has even inspired the character Lt. Arthur Kingsley in the iconic video game series Call of Duty.

Cornell's unlikely journey began in a mixed-heritage family, with his father, Charles, an Afro-American Barnum and Bailey circus acrobat who arrived in the UK in 1889. Growing up in Portsmouth's North End, Sidney experienced both the challenges and resilience of a family that, despite facing societal prejudices, made their mark in the community. Chris recalled that their family was well-respected and known for their toughness in the neighborhood. Boxing lessons from their father became a means of self-defense, teaching Sidney and his brother to stand their ground against adversity.

Before enlisting in the Army, Sidney worked as a lorry driver, later determined to make a name for himself in the Parachute Regiment. On the night of June 5/6, 1944, he made history by being the first black paratrooper to jump behind enemy lines in Normandy. His DCM citation highlights his extraordinary bravery and dedication during five weeks of intense action, where he was injured four times yet continued to perform his duties under heavy enemy fire. His comrades respected him not only for his courage but also for his age, often viewing him as a father figure during the tumultuous experiences of war.

Tragically, Cornell's life was cut short on April 7, 1945, when a German detonation of explosives on a bridge over the Rhine claimed his life and the lives of approximately 20 of his platoon members. The family learned of his death at a poignant moment as Chris Cornell’s father had just decided to join the Army, inspired by the legacy of his heroic uncle. Although Cornell never received his DCM—an accolade that remains missing—his service medal was returned to the family in 2021 after it was discovered in the River Thames.

The impact of Sidney Cornell's actions during D-Day and the subsequent battles have now been honored with a pop-up museum at North End Library, near his childhood home. His name is also immortalized on the war memorial in Portsmouth’s city center. Chris Cornell expressed both pride and sorrow over his great-uncle’s legacy: “Sadly, I never got to know him personally, but my dad always spoke of Sidney with admiration. He became a hero in our family, a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.” As remembrance of his contributions gains prominence, Stanford's role as a pivotal figure in history continues to inspire new generations, adapting to contemporary forms through engaging mediums like video games.