
| Regimental number | 6/359 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Motueka |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Address | Lower Moutere, Nelson |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25 |
| Height | 5' 10" |
| Weight | 147 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, Thomas Steven Briggs Starnes, Lower Moutere, Nelson |
| Previous military service | 12th (Nelson) Regiment, Territorial Force (February 1913 - still serving at time of enlistment); Marlborough Mounted Rifles, Volunteer Force (5 years). |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Nelson |
| Rank on embarkation | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Enlistment status | Volunteer |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Canterbury Infantry Battalion |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on |
| The Canterbury Infantry Battalion, Main Body, left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Tahiti' and 'Athenic'. It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked. | |
| Final rank | Major |
| Final unit | 3rd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment |
| Fate | Commenced return to New Zealand |
| Medals |
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. When, after heavy fighting, our men were exhausted, and being attacked in front and on both flanks, he rallied them and personally led a third and final attack with such determination that the enemy were swept back up their own communication trenches. Next day he beat off a strong counter attack, with heavy loss.'
Source: London Gazette Date: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire 'For valuable services rendered in connection with military operations in Mesopotamia.'
Source: London Gazette Date: Mentioned in Despatches 'Mentioned for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty by Lieut General Sir W. R. Marshall, K.C.B., K.C.S.I., Commander in Chief, Mesopotamia
Expeditionary Force, in his despatch of 11th November, 1918.'
Date: Mentioned in Despatches 'Mentioned in despatch from General Sir Douglas Haig, G.C.B., Commander in Chief of the British Armies in France, dated 13th November, 1916.'
Source: London Gazette Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Family/military connections | Brother: 42824 Charles John Stephen STARNES |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Attached to Dunsterforce 1918. Medals: Distinguished Service Order, Order of the British Empire, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 85 |
| Place of burial | Pyes Pa Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematorium (Row A, Panel 108), Tauranga, Bay of Plenty |
| Sources | Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Canterbury Infantry Batln/Main Body |
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The NZEF Project, UNSW@ADFA, 2003-2026
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