Crossword Genius

Midshipman Easy’s head used in advert (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reefer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'midshipman' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'easy's head used in advert' is the wordplay.
'easy's head' becomes 'e' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'used in' is an insertion indicator.
'advert' becomes 'refer ' (I've seen this in another clue).
'e' inserted into 'refer' is 'REEFER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reefer that I've seen before include "Jack < 's joint" , "packed with cannabis?" , "Type of jacket - smoke" , "roll of hemp" , "Double-breasted jacket for a man" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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