Friday 12 June 2015

Heap, James William (Private 2740)

(No soldier photo available)
1st/5th Battalion,
East Lancashire Regiment,
Contracted dysentry in Gallipoli and died in Birmingham 17th March 1916,
Age 16,
Buried Holden Hall Cemetery, Haslingden.

Newspaper Report:

HASLINGDEN SOLDIER'S DEATH

The death of James William Heap, son of Mr and Mrs. Thomas Heap, of 3a Rawtenstall Road, Haslingden, took place at Dudley Road Military hospital, Birmingham, on the 17th inst. The deceased who was only in his seventeenth year, was a private in the 1/5th East Lancashires, and had contracted dysentery while serving in Gallipoli, his illness necessitating his return to England.  He was formerly a weaver at the Grane Commercial Company;s Mill, and was connected with Cave Adullam Particular Baptist Church being a youth of considerable promise and being popular with his comrades.  The funeral took place at Haslingden Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, the service being conducted by Mr. Holt, of the Cave Adullam Church.  The funeral was attended by Lieut. Watson, and the bearers were six of the 1/5th East Lancashires from Burnley, while a firing party comprised a sergeant and men from the Haslingden Military Hospital.  In the first carriage were mr and mrs. Heap and family.  In the second carriage were Mrs. Coward, Mr and Mrs. Slater, Mr. Abraham Heap and Mrs. Heap.  In the third carriage were Mr. Birtwistle, Mr and Mrs. Hargreaves and Mr. and Mrs. Holden.  In the fourth carriage were Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Barlow, Miss Hindle and Miss Smith.  In the fifth carriage were Messrs. Holt, Lee, Waddington, Barnes, Woods and Hugh E.  Barlow. From the workpeople of Grane Mill an artificial wreath and shade on marble stand was contributed, and Lieut Colonel Hoyle sent a wreath "In memory of one who gave his life for his country." The other wreaths were: "In loving memory of our dear son and brother." from father, mother, sisters and brother; "With  best love from Clara";"Deepest sympathy, from Mrs. Lee and family"; "In loving memory of a dear and brave cousin," from the Birtwistles, Crawshawbooth; "A tribute of sincere respect, from his dear little friend Edith"; "A token of respect and esteem, from the workpeople of Grane Mill; "With deepest sympathy from scholars and friends of Cave Adullam Church"; "In loving memory of our dear nephew," from uncle and aunt Mitton; "To Will." from Rowland and Gerald"; "A tribute of sincere sympathy," from Mrs. Turner and family; "With deepest sympathy," from Fred and Janey.  Mr. J.P. Holt carried out the funeral arrangements.

Newspaper Memorials:

In loving memory of our dear Son and Brother, Pte. J.W. Heap who died March 17th 1916 aged 16 years. 

"Three years have passed, and still we miss him;
Loving him dearly, his memory we'll keep;
Never till life ends will we ever forget him,
Dear to our hearts is the place where he sleeps.

How oft it comes before us,
Your dear face so fond and true;
Resting now in peace with Jesus,
Loving hearts remember you.

From his Father, Mother, Sisters and Brother, 3a Rawtenstall Road.

"Oft we think of you, dear son and brother,
And our hearts are sad with pain,
Ah! this world would be a heaven,
Could we hear your voice again.

Just two years ago you left us,
How we miss your loving face;
But you left us to remember,
None on earth could fill your place."

From Father, Mother, Sisters and Brother, 3a Rawtenstall Road.