Lesson in war from tragic young hero

HE was officially the youngest serviceman to die in the Second World War – and now his story may be told to teach children not much younger than him about the war.

The city council is considering using the story of navy cabin boy Reggie Earnshaw, who was just 14-years-old when he was killed aboard the SS North Devon on 5 July, 1941, as part of their primary seven curriculum.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission today confirmed that Reggie was the youngest known service casualty of the Second World War, following the discovery that he lied about his age to serve his country by claiming to be 15.

The fateful fib was only revealed following a public appeal to have a headstone erected by his grave in Comely Bank Cemetery in July last year. The youngster was born in Dewsbury in Yorkshire on 5 February 1927 but the family moved to Granton in the summer of 1939 and enrolled Reggie at Bellevue School.

He left less than two years later to join the Merchant Navy in February 1941. Five months later he was dead.

Now, 69 years after his death, Reggie's sister, Pauline Harvey, has contacted the War Graves Commission, after she became aware of the publicity generated by the erection of the headstone at Reggie's grave.

Affirmation of Reggie's birthday by Mrs Harvey means the Commission can now confirm that Reggie died aged 14 years and 152 days.

Previously, the youngest known service casualty of the war was recorded as being Raymond Steed, who was killed aged 14 years and 207 days, also whilst serving in the Merchant Navy.

Mrs Harvey, 77, a retired teacher from Epworth in North Lincolnshire, was aged nine when her brother was killed.

She said: "Reggie's death at such a young age and after just a few months at sea came as a great shock to the whole family.

"I am immensely grateful to so many people who helped research my brother's forgotten story, and to the War Graves Commission for providing his grave with a headstone."

Mrs Harvey and her great-niece Jenny were due to lay flowers at Reggie's grave today, on what would have been his 83rd birthday.

Ranald Leask, of the CWGC said: "Having last year erected a headstone at Reggie's grave, we at the War Graves Commission are very pleased that Mrs Harvey contacted us. She will now be able to choose an inscription for her brother's headstone and provide him with a fitting final tribute."

Mrs Harvey was also set to be introduced the families of two of Reggie's shipmates – Douglas Crichton and Reg Mitchell – who were killed in the same attack.

Mr Crichton was cremated at Warriston Crematorium and Mr Mitchell is buried at Piershill Cemetery.

A council spokesperson said: "We would consider any interesting local history story as we like to make lessons as relevant as possible for our pupils.

"Second World War history is a key part of our Primary Seven curriculum and it's good to have a local story which provides history and colour."