Post by keithattregenna on Feb 27, 2013 22:53:09 GMT -5
"To the glory of God and in loving memory of Reginald Earnshaw who died aged 14 the youngest known service casualty of the second world war.
Former Seaman Billy McGee revealed that boys just out of school – aged 14 and 16 became merchant seamen during the war – helping to keep our supply lines flowing while constantly coming under attack.
The boys would undertake daily chores on board supply ships – for example cleaning cabins out and taking food to officers.
One such boy who signed up was 14 year old Reggie Earnshaw. He joined the merchant navy in 1941, but like many boys who took to a life at sea, Reggie wouldn't live to see the end of the war. In July 1941, Reggie's ship the SS North Devon was attacked by German bombers.
Reggie's sister, Pauline Harvey told how how Reggie lied about his age to do his bit for his country – saying he was 15 when he signed up. Reggie was scalded to death when steam lines on his ship were fractured during a bombing. Reggie is the youngest known service member to be killed in World War II.
Many under 16 lost their lives at sea during the war. a commemoration ceremony at a church dedicated a stained glass window to the boys who made a brave sacrifice for their country.
Youngest WW2 victim remembered:
Reginald Earnshaw, known as Reggie, lied about his age to join the Merchant Navy at the age of 14. He died shortly afterwards in a German air attack and his body lay for decades in an unmarked grave.
LINK: news.stv.tv/scotland/155776-youngest-ww2-victim-remembered/
MORE TO COME:
Former Seaman Billy McGee revealed that boys just out of school – aged 14 and 16 became merchant seamen during the war – helping to keep our supply lines flowing while constantly coming under attack.
The boys would undertake daily chores on board supply ships – for example cleaning cabins out and taking food to officers.
One such boy who signed up was 14 year old Reggie Earnshaw. He joined the merchant navy in 1941, but like many boys who took to a life at sea, Reggie wouldn't live to see the end of the war. In July 1941, Reggie's ship the SS North Devon was attacked by German bombers.
Reggie's sister, Pauline Harvey told how how Reggie lied about his age to do his bit for his country – saying he was 15 when he signed up. Reggie was scalded to death when steam lines on his ship were fractured during a bombing. Reggie is the youngest known service member to be killed in World War II.
Many under 16 lost their lives at sea during the war. a commemoration ceremony at a church dedicated a stained glass window to the boys who made a brave sacrifice for their country.
Youngest WW2 victim remembered:
Reginald Earnshaw, known as Reggie, lied about his age to join the Merchant Navy at the age of 14. He died shortly afterwards in a German air attack and his body lay for decades in an unmarked grave.
LINK: news.stv.tv/scotland/155776-youngest-ww2-victim-remembered/
MORE TO COME: