No.32992, Private, William STARVIS
Aged 23
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William Starvis was born in Woodditton (Newmarket Q2-1893 3B:529), son of William and Mary STARVIS (née DEAN).
1901 census...Aged 7, Willie Starvis was at Church Cottages, Woodditton with his father William [50] a farm labourer born in Stetchworth; his mother Mary Ann [45] born Woodditton; brother Arthur [22] a miller's carter, born Stetchworth and sister Jessie [13] born Woodditton. 1911 census...Aged 17, a farm labourer, he was at 96 Church Cottages, Woodditton with his parents. His father's place of birth had changed to Dullingham. All six children of the marriage had survived. |
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He enlisted in Newmarket. The 7th Suffolks had moved forward on Easter Monday through the tunnel system under Arras and advanced through the GermanBlue line but were held up by un cut wire at Church Work, Feuchy. The weather got so bad, sleet and snow falling through the night. A line was taken up along the Fuechy road. The weather got no better and at midnight Lt.Col. Cooper , having been informed that artillery would cut the wire the following day, withdrew the battalion. The next day the attack continued and by mid day the 7th Suffolks captured the final objective. This was the first Battle of the Scarpe and cost the 7th Suffolks 4 dead on the Monday, 16 on the 10th and 1 on the 11th. The 2nd Suffolks however in a different area suffered far worse. |
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