George Henry Starmer was born Harry Starmer on 4 December 1892 in Kettering, Northamptonshire. He was the son of Julia Starmer and had several siblings and half-siblings, one of whom also perished in the Great War. He registered in the Army reserve in 1910. It is said that he did so to avoid a court summons regarding a poaching incident. He joined the Royal Field Artillery in 1911 and in 1912, he was posted to the Artillery Barracks in Waterford, Ireland. While stationed in Ireland he met and married Norah Collins, with whom he had his only son Frederick. He served on the Western front for almost the entire duration of the Great War, reaching the rank of Serjeant. He was known as a talented boxer and football player. He died in battle on 11 October 1918, one month before the armistice. He left behind an only son who went on to have a large family in Waterford, Ireland, many of whom now live across the globe. His legacy has spread far and wide..

Keith McNulty