Swindon Heritage has been given permission to install Blue Plaques at the birth site of two of Swindon's most heroic sons. Two brothers who gave their lives for their country.
To cover the cost of the plaques and the installation we need to raise £700.
Brothers Harold & Norman Starr both made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives as pilots during WWII.
Squadron Leader Harold Morley Starr was born and raised in Swindon.
He bailed out of his burning Hurricane during the Battle of Britain in 1940 but was gunned to death by a Messerschmitt as he floated down to earth.
His wife was carrying their unborn child.
He is buried in Radnor St Cemetery in Swindon in a Commonwealth War Grave.
He was 25 years old.
Wing Commander Norman John Starr DFC and BAR was born and raised in Swindon.
He was shot down and killed whilst piloting an Avro Anson over Dunkirk in 1945.
He was flying back to England to get married to his sweetheart the following day. He never made it back.
He is buried along with his three crew members in Dunkirk Town Cemetery in a Commonwealth War Grave.
He was 27 years old.
The Starr brothers were born and raised in Swindon at the Central Hotel in Regent Street. The site is now occupied by The Savoy public house who have granted permission for the installation thanks to www.jdwetherspoon.com
Swindon Heritage wishes to permanently mark the site of their births with historic Blue Plaques so that future generations will always remember these brave brothers of Swindon and what they did for their country. Please give generously.
*The wording on the plaques above are just examples. Final wording will be decided between Swindon Heritage and surviving family members*