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.