Frederick's Story.
Birkenhead News 30 March 1918GAS-WORKER FALLS IN THE GREAT FIGHT.
Mr. and Mrs. Starkey, of 73, Briardale Road, Birkenhead, have been informed of the death in action of their third son, Bombardier Frederick Starkey, which occurred during the great offensive by the enemy on Thursday last week. In a letter received by the bereaved parents from a sergeant of their son’s battery, he states :- “It is with deep regret I send you bad news concerning your son, Bombardier Fred Starkey. Yesterday whilst carrying out his duties an enemy shell burst close to him, causing his death, which was instantaneous, and he suffered no pain. Fred had been with me the whole of his time in France, and at all times he had proved himself one of the most able and trustworthy N.C.O’s. Even under heavy shellfire he always thought of others’ safety before his own and in every degree, and in every degree proved himself a true type of a British soldier. In this instance he was assisting two comrades to the dressing station. Every officer, N.C.O. and man join with me in sending you their deepest sympathy in your sad loss. His death has cast a gloom over the whole battery. His funeral takes place at a pretty little cemetery, when a number of his chums will pay their last tribute. Although he has left us he will last a long time in our memories.”
Bombardier Starkey, who was 20 years of age, had been in France 2 ½ years with the West Lancashire Artillery Brigade. Prior to enlisting he was employed at the Corporation Gasworks with the fitters. He was exceedingly popular, and made friends wherever he went. He was educated at the Oxton National School. Mr. and Mrs. Starkey have three more sons in the service of their country, one of whom has been in France with the Cheshire Field Co., R.E., since 1914. Their daughter also is a member of the Red Cross, and is at present assistant matron to a hospital in Bombay, India. The deepest sympathy from a wide circle of friends will go to this patriotic family in the loss they have just sustained.