John Thomas Starr
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Thomas Starr was born in 1896 at Hucknall and was the son of the late John Starr and Hannah Starr née Walton of 27 Bestwood Road, Hucknall. His father John was born in 1852 at Nottingham, he died in 1901 aged 49 yrs , his mother Hannah Walton was born in 1868 at Swanwick, they were married in 1895 their marriage was recorded in the Basford Registration district, they had the children William Walton b1893, John Thomas b1896 Harold b1898 and Cyril b1898 all were born in Hucknall. In the 1911 census the family are living at 35 Hankin Street Hucknall Torkard Nottinghamshire and are shown as Hannah Starr 43 yrs a widow she is living with her sons William Walton 18 yrs a colliery labourer above ground, John Thomas 15 yrs a colliery labourer above ground, Harold 13 yrs a coliery labourer above gtround and Cyril 11 yrs a scholar.
Private John Thomas Starr enlisted on the 6th January 1915 at Hucknall, arriving in France August 1915. Trained at Borden camp & Shorncliffe. He was killed in the front line trenches whilst on sentry duty on 5th December 1916, as the Germans bombarded with heavy French mortors. He bravely held his post throughout, until his death, which was instantaneous. He is buried at Railway Dugout Burial Ground (Transport Farm) grave reference VI.P.13
A letter sent to his mother, from Sgt Major Cashmoore expressed deepest sympathy & stated that 'he was one of the best soldiers in the company'. A good & quiet lad known to his friends as little Jimmy.
