The plaque by Buckhaven Parish Church.

A PLAQUE has been unveiled near Buckhaven Parish Church in memory of 10 people, including eight children, who died in a tragedy more than 60 years ago.

Townsfolk were celebrating their annual gala in 1941 when beachcomber Robert Birrell dragged a large section of pipe from the water’s edge.

With the help of his friend Henry Wilkie he hauled it into a cart and carried it to a stable.

The activity attracted eight lads, the youngest only 10.

The two men and the boys died instantly when the pipe, which later emerged to be a mine, exploded.

In wartime Britain the incident was simply regarded as “one of those things” and was buried in history until recently when a book detailing the event was published.

The Levenmouth Regeneration Initiative has played a big part in the incident being commemorated.

A special ceremony took place last Sunday at Buckhaven Parish Church where relatives paid tribute to their lost loved ones.

The wording on the plaque reads: “Buckhaven’s Secret. This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Robert Birrell (31), George Irvine (13), George Jensen (15), Robert Jensen (14), Joe Kinnear (13), Robert Kinnear (10), John Thomson (12), Henry Walton (14), Henry Wilkie (37), James Wilkie (13) who lost their lives as a result of a tragic accident on Monday 2nd June 1941.”