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Video: WWII cabin boy remembered 68 years after death
A YORKSHIRE teenager killed in action in World War II has been remembered with a new memorial unveiled today by a shipmate who led a four-year quest to find his friend, one of Britain's youngest service casualties.
Reginald Earnshaw, known as Reggie, may have been as young as 14 when he died under enemy fire aboard the SS North Devon, nearly 70 years ago.
View video coverage of the unveiling, from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
It is believed he lied about his age to sign up to serve for his country.
The location of Reggie's grave was never reported to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or marked with a headstone until recently, when a simple wooden cross was erected as a temporary marker.
Former machine gunner Alf Tubb, 86, today unveiled a granite headstone in his friend's memory at a ceremony at Edinburgh's Comely Bank Cemetery.
Mr Tubb, who lives in Swansea, was 18 years old when their merchant ship was bombed by German aircraft on its way to Tyneside on July 6 1941.
He returned fire before rushing to the engine room to find his friend but was beaten back by steam.
Around four years ago, the war veteran decided to find out where the teenager had been laid to rest and launched an internet appeal for anyone who might be able to help.
Mr Tubb said today - the 68th anniversary of Reggie's death - marked the culmination of his efforts to have the young cabin boy honoured in a fitting way.
"Now we've given Reggie the marker that he deserves," he said.
"I lost many comrades over the years - 18 ships, five years at sea - but Reggie was always in my mind.
"My children grew up with the story of the 14-year-old cabin boy who lost his life in such horrendous circumstances."
He added: "To come here has been wonderful, I didn't think I'd be able to. It's the last chapter and it's wonderful. Reggie's got his marker."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Monday 21 May 2012
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Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
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