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James E. “Bert” Heap

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James E. “Bert” Heap

Birth	:	11 Jun 1888 San Bernardino County, California, USA
Death	:	5 Sep 1918 France
Burial	:	West End Cemetery, West End, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate	:	-19.2657130, 146.8011430
Plot	:	Old Block 4,Lot9,Aisle 6, Space 6N
Description	:	'Bert' may have been a nickname for 'Elbert' (but have seen no proof yet) James 'Bert' Heap's parents were: James Heap. b. Nov. 3, 1850 in Pottawattamie County, IA. and d. Nov. 8, 1931 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. & Abigail 'Abby' Martin, b. Dec. 16, 1850 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. and d. Jan. 2, 1920 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. James and Abby Heap's children were: 1. Barbara Alice Heap, b. Dec. 9, 1870 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Sep. 14, 1899 in San Bernardino, San... Read More	'Bert' may have been a nickname for 'Elbert' (but have seen no proof yet) James 'Bert' Heap's parents were: James Heap. b. Nov. 3, 1850 in Pottawattamie County, IA. and d. Nov. 8, 1931 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. & Abigail 'Abby' Martin, b. Dec. 16, 1850 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA. and d. Jan. 2, 1920 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. James and Abby Heap's children were: 1. Barbara Alice Heap, b. Dec. 9, 1870 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Sep. 14, 1899 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. 2. Gertrude Heap, b. Mar. 5, 1876 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. May 1, 1941 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Gertrude was marr. to Oscar Washington Perris. 3. Lena Heap, b. May 26, 1881 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Aug. 8, 1972 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.. Lena marr. Harry Harold Eastwood. 4. Georgia Heap, b. Mar. 24, 1883 in CA. and d. Mar. 15, 1969 in San Bernardino County, CA. Georgia marr. Clarence R. Patterson. 5. Josephine Heap, b. Aug. 11, 1885 in CA. and d. Jul. 12, 1970 in San Bernardino County, CA. Josephine marr. Lester John Shay 6. James 'Bert' Heap, b. Jun. 11, 1888 in San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Sep. 5, 1918 in France. 7. Ida Heap, b. Mar. 21, 1892 in San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jan. 14, 1987 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Ida marr. William Frank Hager. In the 1900 U. S. census, 12 yr. old Bert Heap, b. Jun. 1887 in CA., was attending school and living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA., with his 49 yr. old father, James Heap, a farmer, b. Nov. 1850 in IA. 49 yr. old mother, Ablie (Abbie) M. Heap, b. Dec. 1850 in IA. 19 yr. old sister, Lena Heap, b. May 1881 in CA. 17 yr. old sister, Georgia Heap, b. Mar. 1883 in CA. 14 yr. old sister, Josephine Heap, attending school, b. Aug. 1885 in CA. 8 yr. old sister, Ida Heap, attending school, b. Mar. 1892 in CA. Abbie was the mother of 7 children, only 6 still alive by this census. (Eldest child, Barbara, died in 1899.) In the 1910 U. S. census, 22 yr. old Burt (Bert) Heap, a meat cutter at a meat market, b. in CA., was unmarried and living on Ninth St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his 59 yr. old father, James Heap, a farmer on a hay farm, b. in IA. 59 yr. old mother, Abadail (Abigail) Heap, b. in IA. 24 yr. old sister, Josie Heap, b. in CA. 18 yr. old sister, Ida Heap, b. in CA. 25 yr. old married sister Georgia Patterson, b. in CA. This was a first marriage for James and Abigail. They had been marr. for 32 years. Abigail was the mother of 7 children, only 6 still alive by this census. Georgia's husband was not listed on this census, and she was living with her family. This was her first marriage and she had been married for 7 years. She had not yet had any children. According to his Jun. 5, 1917 WWI Draft Registration card, 28 yr. old farmer, Bert Heap, b. Jun. 11, 1888 in San Bernardino, CA., was unmarried, living and working on East 9th in San Bernardino, CA. He was claiming exemption from the draft on the grounds he had crops to tend to. He was described as medium in height and build, with grey eyes, light hair and nothing that would physically disqualify him from serving in the military. Bert Heap (1888-1918) was to be the first San Bernardino casualty of the First World War. He sacrificed his life with 12 other crew mates attempting to save the USS Mount Vernon from sinking. (-Information from the San Bernardino Historical Society, contributed by Barbara LeClaire.) U. S. Navy Casualties Books, 1776-1941 Officers and Enlisted Men, 1917-1918 HEAP, BERT, fireman, third class, United States Navy Enlisted: Los Angeles, Calif., December 7, 1917 Died: U. S. S. Mount Vernon, September 5, 1918. Cause: Lost life in battle with enemy submarine. Next of kin: Mother, Abby Heap, East Ninth Street, San Bernardino. San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.) September 18, 1918 FIRST OF CITY’S DEAD IN WAR TO BE BROUGHT BACK HOME Body of Bert Heap Is to Be Buried Here at a Big Memorial The body of Bert Heap, killed aboard the U. S. transport Mt. Vernon when it was torpedoed two weeks ago tomorrow, in French waters, will be brought to San Bernardino for burial. Heaps’ body will be the first of a Californian to be brought from the soil of France for burial at home, it was believed here last night. The funeral will probably take the form of a city-wide memorial service for the first San Bernardino man killed i the war. When the body will arrive here is not known. No date was set in a telegram received last night from Washington to the family of the dead sailor. Mother of Heap had telegraphed for information regarding the body, and the message last night was the first definite statement the body had been recovered. Here is the telegram from Washington: “Referring to your telegram of September 8, the bureau is glad to inform you the body of your son, Bert Heap, fireman, third class, U. S. N., was recovered and may be sent to you at government expense or may be buried at any national or naval cemetery without expense to you. “Telegraph surgeon general, navy department, Washington, D. C., collect, your wishes in the matter. “In addition, there is an appropriation under the bureau of war risk insurance, treasury department, Washington, D. C., which permits reimbursement for burial expenses actually incurred not to exceed $100. Claim for reimbursement for burial expenses must be made to the bureau of war risk insurance and not to navy department.” Mrs. Heap last night telegraphed, asking that the body of her son be sent to San Bernardino. San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.) September 25, 1918 ADMIRAL WRITES MOTHER SON DIED HERO Mrs. James Heap Receives a Letter Telling of French Memorial Description of funeral services for her son, Bert Heap, and 29 others killed on board the transport U. S. Mount Vernon by a German torpedo, as they were held on the soil of France is contained in a letter received yesterday by Mrs. James Heap from Rear Admiral H. B. Wilson. The body of Bert Heap is expected here Friday or Saturday and funeral arrangements are now being arranged. Following is the letter from Rear Admiral Wilson. Brest France. Ninth September. Nineteen Eighteen. My dear Mrs. Heap: You have already been officially informed of the loss of your son, Bert Heap, when the ship on which he was serving was struck by a torpedo fired from an enemy submarine. Mere words are poor consolation for a mother who is grieving for her son, but I hope it may help a little to know that he died at his post faithfully serving his country. This is the supreme sacrifice that a man can make during these times when his country is engaged in this great struggle. My deepest sympathy goes out to you in your bereavement. A service with full military honors was held this afternoon at the side of the ship. Mr. Franklin Roosevelt, the assistant secretary of the navy, joined me in paying this last tribute, as well as a large number of officers and men. The French navy was also represented by the admiral with officers and men of his force. Most sincerely, H. B. WILSON Read Admiral Commanding. Bert’s mother, Abby, died less than 16 months after the death of her son, Bert, in the world war. Her general health was never the same after that. She was laid to rest beside him in the Pioneer Cemetery, in the family plot. "BERT HEAP: A SAN BERNARDINO HERO OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR' By Christina Alanne Perris This is a pamphlet written very well by a college student, great-granddaughter of Frederick Perris. It says that 'Bert' as he was known to friends, enlisted in the United States Navy in Los Angeles, CA. on December 7, 1917, nearly 8 months after the United States entered World War I. He was stationed aboard the USS Mount Vernon in the furnace room. It had been across the Atlantic to war torn Europe 9 times. Proceeding back to the United States, on Sept. 5, 1918 the USS Mount Vernon, 200 miles from the coast of France, was hit by a torpedo mid-ship, near the furnace room where Bert was with 12 other crewmen. "The boiler was hit and was on the verge of exploding". A watertight compartment. As it became clear the boiler was doomed, the commanding officer, Bert and his 12 men sealed the door. This saved the lives of all else on board but killed them. He died a hero and as has been stated before, became the first World War I death from San Bernardino. Never receiving any medals, he did receive a hero's welcome home in San Bernardino. Thank you, hero. Prologue; Purple Heart of WWI hero to be displayed at SB City Hall By Stacia Glenn Posted: 12/07/2009 11:49:07 AM PST A Purple Heart belonging to a World War I hero will be presented to the San Bernardino City Council tonight so it can be displayed at City Hall. The great-niece of Navy Petty Officer James Bert Heap, who lived in San Bernardino, will present the medal at 3 p.m. in council chambers, 300 N. D St. Heap was killed in the war when a torpedo struck his submarine. Heap is buried at Pioneer Park and has earned the Purple Heart, World War I Victory and Good Conduct medals. Police learned earlier this year that Heap's family had never been awarded the medals he earned during his military service. "It is an honor to accept such a prestigious medal from Heap's family member," Mayor Pat Morris said in a statement. "We will display the medal with pride as a way of commemorating the sacrifice Heap and his family made to their country."

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is James E. “Bert” Heap's memorial?
James E. “Bert” Heap's memorial is located at: West End Cemetery, West End, Townsville City, Australia.
When did James E. “Bert” Heap death?
James E. “Bert” Heap death on 5 Sep 1918 in France
Where are the coordinates of the James E. “Bert” Heap's memorial?
Latitude: -19.2657130
Longitude: 146.8011430

Family Members:

Parent

James Heap

(1850 - 1931)

Abigail “Abby” Martin Heap

(1850 - 1920)

Siblings

Barbara Alice Heap

(1879 - 1899)

Georgia Heap Patterson

(1883 - 1969)

Josephine Heap Shay

(1885 - 1970)

Ida Heap Hager

(1892 - 1987)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. West End Cemetery
West End, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.2657130, 146.8011430

2. Sacred Heart Cathedral
Townsville, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.2589000, 146.8118000

3. North Queensland Garden of Remembrance
Townsville, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.2554030, 146.8240260

4. Belgian Gardens Cemetery
Belgian Gardens, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.2431100, 146.7826400

5. Stewart's Creek Penal Establishment Cemetery
Stuart, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.3524684, 146.8498339

6. Woongarra Crematorium
Townsville, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.3580935, 146.8756311

7. Magnetic Island Memorial Gardens
Townsville, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.1562722, 146.8551167

8. West Point Cemetery
Magnetic Island, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.1334561, 146.7864305

9. Florence Bay Scout Chapel Cemetery
Magnetic Island, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.1239643, 146.8765564

10. Range Hotel
Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.3514510, 146.4871560

11. Giru-Woodstock Road Homestead Cemetery
Giru, Burdekin Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -19.5477500, 147.0598300

12. Manton Cemetery
Manton, Townsville City, Australia
Coordinate: -19.6511300, 146.8335700

13. Palm Island
Palm Island, Palm Island Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -18.7354000, 146.5778575

14. Ayr Cemetery
Ayr, Burdekin Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -19.5641000, 147.3909940

15. Fantome Island Lazaret Cemetery
Fantome Island, Palm Island Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -18.6672600, 146.5132400

16. St Helens Anglican Church Columbarium Wall
Home Hill, Burdekin Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -19.6572720, 147.4130880

17. Home Hill General Cemetery
Home Hill, Burdekin Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -19.6630800, 147.4259200

18. Macrossan Cemetery
Macrossan, Charters Towers Region, Australia
Coordinate: -20.0021640, 146.4439990

19. New Ingham Cemetery
Ingham, Hinchinbrook Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -18.6707560, 146.1927830

20. Sellheim Cemetery
Sellheim, Charters Towers Region, Australia
Coordinate: -20.0096093, 146.4013893

21. Halifax Cemetery
Halifax, Hinchinbrook Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -18.5844780, 146.2876470

22. Ravenswood Cemetery
Ravenswood, Charters Towers Region, Australia
Coordinate: -20.1116040, 146.8872210

23. Old Ingham Cemetery
Ingham, Hinchinbrook Shire, Australia
Coordinate: -18.6682500, 146.1518800

24. Charters Towers Monumental & Lawn Cemetery
Charters Towers, Charters Towers Region, Australia
Coordinate: -20.0441050, 146.2456630