Kenora Great War Project

 

Personal Details
Date of BirthDecember 13, 1886
Place of BirthBingley, Yorkshire
CountryEngland
Marital StatusSingle
ReligionUnknown
Service Details
Regimental NumberM2 031930
BattalionMotor Transport
ForceBritish Army
BranchArmy Service Corps
Enlisted / ConscriptedEnlisted
Theatre of ServiceEurope
Prisoner of WarNo
Survived WarYes
Death Details
Date of Death19680910
Age at Death81
Buried AtLake of the Woods Cemetery, Kenora, Ontario
Plot6E-32-3

Starr, Arthur

Arthur Starr was born on 13 December 1886 in Bingley, Yorkshire, England. He immigrated to Canada in April 1911 listing ‘engineer’ as his occupation. Arthur started service with the Canadian Pacific Railway in Portage la Prairie as a wiper. By 1912 he had moved to Kenora, Ontario and was working as a fireman with the CPR.

When WW1 broke out in 1914 Arthur returned to his homeland and enlisted with the Royal Army Service Corps, Motor Transport Division in London, England. He served in France, Italy and Austria and was awarded the Victory Medal, British War Medal and 1915 Star. Arthur was also given a Meritorious Service Medal and because he was Mentioned in Despatches was entitled to the Oak Leaf Emblem. In March 1919 Arthur was discharged from the army at Woolwich, England.

On 23 September 1917 Arthur married Ada Emily Storey in Huntingdonshire, England. After the war he returned to Canada in April of 1920. Ada followed him in July of the same year. They settled in Kenora, Ontario and Arthur resumed his job with the CPR. Two sons were born: James Mervin (1924-1988) and Jack. James served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. In July 1945 he was reported missing in action and the following month he was listed as a prisoner of war.

Arthur was promoted to locomotive engineer in May of 1930. Voters lists show the Starr family lived at 819 River Street in Kenora for many years.  Ada’s brother, Harold Storey, lived with them for a time. Arthur retired on 01 January 1952. He was a member of Knox Church.

Arthur Starr passed away on 10 September 1968 in Kenora and is buried in Lake of the Woods Cemetery. At the time of his death his son James was living in Vancouver and son Jack in Toronto. Arthur was also survived by three sisters and one brother in England. His wife Ada died in 1979 and is buried beside him.

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