Memorial Title

B Starr

Summary

Derbyshire War Memorials: a description of a WW2 war memorial plaque to Bertie Starr at Westhouses, Derbyshire.

Images

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Further images may be available on request.

Locations

Last known location:
Roadside
Tibshelf Rd (B6025)
Westhouses
Derbyshire

Nearest postcode:
DE55 5AE

NGR:
SK 42296 58273 ±5m
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Location details:
The plaque is surface-mounted on the paving slabs immediately adjacent to the main Westhouses memorial on the west side of the road by Westhouses Memorial Playing Field.

Type

Overall type: Plaque.

Overall condition: Good. The inscription is legible and the memorial is cared for.

Description:

An oblong brass plaque with an incised inscription in upright sentence case roman lettering infilled in black.

Glossary

Components:

Component	Material	Height	Width	Depth	Condition
Plaque	Brass	130	200	2	Good
Dimensions in millimetres ±5mm unless stated otherwise.

Inscription

Bertie Starr
Died in RAF Training 20th June 1943
Aged 21

Conflicts and people named:
Conflict	Second World War (1939-1945)	Totals
Action or event	Training
Number died	1	1
Number served and returned	0	0
Total names	1	1

Administration

Custodian: Blackwell Parish Council

Local authorities:
From 1974: Blackwell Parish Council, Bolsover District Council; Derbyshire County Council.

History and Conservation

c2014: The main Westhouses memorial was conceived by Mr Ross Berry-Hopkins and the idea was adopted by the Westhouses Residents Action Group who raised the funding by events, donations and a grant from Blackwell Parish Council. As Bertie Starr is not recorded by CWGC his name was placed on a separate plaque.

10th November, 2018: The whole memorial was unveiled by Mrs Susan Oldfield and Mr. Alwyn King. The service was conducted by Rev Gill Manley, Vicar of Tibshelf and Blackwell and the main dignitories present were:

Cllr. Mary Kerry, Mayor of Alfreton Town Council
Cllr. Dexter Bullock, Leader of Blackwell Parish Council
Mrs J Simpson, Clerk to Blackwell Parish Council
Col Mark Simpson TD VR, REME Reserves
Lt Col David Dawber VRSM, Mercian Regiment
Private Derby XXXII, the Mercian Regimental Mascot with his Ram Major and assistant
Mr Keith Wilkinson, Royal British Legion, Royal Signals.

The service was also attended by RBL standard bearers, musicians from the Mercian Cadet Band, relatives of the fallen and a large group of local residents.

11th January, 2020: The plaque was surveyed by Roy Branson. It was in good condition and cared for.

References

Ross Berry-Hopkins; Pers Comm; several emails in January, 2020.

Westhouses Residents Action Group; Order of Service; Unveiling Ceremony, 19th November, 2018.

Derbyshire Times, 5th February, 1943; p3 col1: a brief report mentioning that Bertie Starr was serving in HM Forces.

Ibid; 19th February, 1943; p2 col3; a further mention, with photograph, of AC Bertie Starr.

Comments

AC Starr died as a result of an incident during his training at Blackpool and before he entered active service. Although he sustained serious injuries it is reported that he returned home and his death was registered in Derby. He appears to meet the CWGC criteria for national commemoration, but it is unclear why he is not so recorded.

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