The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. H M Starr

Born in Swindon on September 8th 1914, Harold Morley Starr was educated at Clarence Street School and, after the family moved to Bristol, at Cotham Secondary Modem School. In March 1934 Starr joined the RAF on a short service commission. After completing a short induction course at No 1 RAF Depot, Uxbridge, he was posted to 5 ITS, Sealand on April 3rd 1934. Starr joined 14 (Army Co-operation) Squadron at Old Sarum on March4th 1935.

On June 5th 1936 he experienced engine failure in Audax K2028 and crashed at South Marston, near Swindon. Starr was seriously injured and did not return to flying until June 28th 1937, when he joined 59 Squadron at Old Sarum. He moved to 2 Squadron at Hawkinge on January 19th 1938.

In May 1939 Starr went to a staff job at RAF Uxbridge but rejoined 2 Squadron, then at Andover, on November 3rd 1939, again as a Flight Commander. He was posted to 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge on July 1st 1940 and on the 21st went to 245 Squadron at Aldergrove, as a supernumerary Squadron Leader.

Starr was given command of 253 Squadron at Turnhouse on August 8th. The squadron moved south to Kenley on the 29th and the next day Starr's aircraft was damaged in combat over Redhill. He returned to base, unhurt.

On August 31st 1940 Starr was shot down by enemy fighters during an interception patrol. He baled out and is believed to have been machine-gunned by an enemy aircraft as he fell dead at Hammill Brickworks near Eastry. His Hurricane L1830 came down near Grove Ferry.

Starr is buried at Radnor Street Cemetery, Swindon.

His brother, Wing Commander Norman John Starr, was killed in action with the RAF in 1945.