Beech Staggerwing
Pretty sure that regardless of model (17, 17D or UC-43) this airplane had a power starter negating the need for someone to swing the prop by hand to start the engine as shown in this movie.
KS
Unless of course the battery was dead, the starter broken, the ignition wiring shot, the key was lost, or any of a hundred other things that can happen in war. Then, "Switch on," "Contact!" and do the old leg kick.
..Joe