|
The First World War
Shortly after the outbreak of war
in 1914 the Star Engineering Company Limited became a
controlled establishment, with output devoted to the war
effort. Some commercial vehicles were supplied to the
British, French and Russian armies; and a large order
was obtained for ambulances for the British Army in
Mesopotamia. Star’s main effort consisted of the
production of
aircraft wings and parts for mines. This did not fully
occupy the works and so horse-drawn carts and wheels
were also made. In 1918 the company accepted an order
for four hundred V8, 80hp. Renault engines. The V8
engines were air-cooled and had a 90 degree angle
between the 'V'. They were fitted to DH6 trainers, but
only 12 had been built by the end of the war, when all
military orders were cancelled.
During the war Star produced a
number of vehicles for use as Marconi portable wireless
stations. They were designed for field use, and contained
wireless equipment made by the Marconi company.
|
A 50 cwt Star lorry at the front.
From an old postcard, courtesy of the late David Evans. |
A Star-Marconi portable wireless station.
Courtesy of the late Jim Boulton.
A Star-Marconi portable wireless
station chassis showing the Marconi generator. Courtesy
of the late Jim Boulton. |
A postcard produced to promote the
Star-Marconi portable wireless station. From an old
postcard, courtesy of the late David Evans. |
|
An advert from 1913. |
| The advert above, from the Sydney Morning Herald, dated
5th July, 1913 is of interest because it states that the
Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company Limited, exclusively used
Star cars. The company started purchasing the cars in 1911,
after using horse-drawn wagons. |
Edward Lisle at the wheel of his Star.
Courtesy of Peter Lisle.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Return to Changes
and New Models |
|
Return to the
Contents |
|
Proceed to
After The War |
|
|
