John , born in 1899, was the son of Herbert and Ethel Starsmore. In 1901 Herbert was a cycle agent and a seed merchant’s clerk living at 13, St George’s Square . By 1911 he had his own shop, at 14, St Mary’s Hill. He was still a cycle agent but also a tobacconists. He also sold guns, ammunition, guidebooks, fishing tackle and toys. John had three brothers, Thomas aged 8, Eric 5 and Leonard 16 months.

John enlisted in 1917 and was a Drummer with the 15th Lancashire Fusiliers Band.