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Record #3905
Name :
: George Thomas HERON (1872 - 1916)


Father
:
Mother
:
BMD and other details
Date of Birth
: 10 Sep 1872

Marriage (1)
:
Marriage (2)
:

Date of Death
: 25 Jul 1916   Notes : Killed in Action
Abode (1) : Place of BirthScotland, Forfarshire
Abode (2) : Place of Death / BurialBelgium, Ypres
Sailing Information
Date of Arrival
: 16 Jul 1883
Country
: Canada

Ship
: Corean

Placement Family
:
Homes / Agencys
Institution (GB)
:

Agency
: Unknown
NotesIn 1881, George Heron, 10 years of age, is shown as an inmate in the Industrial School For Boys, Baldovan, Strathmartine, Angus, Scotland. (Source: 1881 Census of Scotland; Parish: Strathmartine; ED: Industrial School For Boys; Line: 7.)

In 1883, George Heron, 18, arrived at Quebec, Canada, along with a group of 19 young persons en route to various locations.

On January 1, 1887, at Hastings, Ontario, Canada, a marriage was registered between George Thomas Heron, 22, brass moulder, born in Scotland to John and Ellen Heron; and Augusta Martin, 26, born in London, England (incorrect, she was born in Germany), daughter of Thomas Schadsky and Annie Martin. George and Augusta Heron had two children, Baby Heron, born and died March 12, 1900, after living only 12 hours (afflicted with spina bifida); and Emma Jane Heron, born April 18, 1892.

He first settled near Trenton, Ontario, came to Port Hope in 1902 and engaged in work at the Standard Ideal Factory.

In June 1908, George Heron entered in the United States through the port of Niagra Falls, New York. He declared that he was 44 years of age; that he was married; that he was an iron molder; that he resided in Brantford, Ontario; that his next of kin was his wife, Augusta, who resided in Port Hope, Ontario; that his final destination was Niagra Falls, New York; that he carried $1.00 on his person; that he had previously been in the United States in 1906; that he was going to visit his brother-in-law, George Harborough; that he was 5 foot 2 inches in height; dark complexion; blue eyes; dark hair; the little finger on his left hand was amp.; and that he arrived in Quebec, Canada, in 1883, on the Corean.

On April 30, 1915, George Heron, 43 (Service Number: 413117; Force: Army; Unit: Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment); Division: 2nd Bn.), enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. He declared that he was born in Edinburgh, Scotland; that his next of kin was his wife, Mrs. Auguste Heron, who resided in Port Hope, Ontario; that his date of birth was September 20, 1872; that he was a molder; and that he served in the 46th Regt. for 1 year. He was described as 5 foot 2 inches in height; dark complexion; blue eyes; dark hair. He was a member of the Methodist faith.

He was transferred to the 2nd Canadian Battalion after going overseas in June 1915 and fought with his unit in the fierce battles of Ypres, Somme and others. He was engaged on a work party setting up wire entanglements when a mine explosion set off by the enemy caused his death on 25 July 1916. He was first reported officially, as missing, but a few days later was reported killed. His companions speak of "Scotty" Heron as the life of every party with which he associated. When things looked darkest Scotty was most cheerful. He was a valued member of the Port Hope Band and he carried his flute into action and played it with effect when men around him were feeling despondent. On one occasion, having lost his flute, he amused his comrades by quaint imitations on a tin whistle. His death was deeply felt by all who knew him.

He is memorialized at the Menin Gate in Ypres (now Ieper) in the Province of West Flanders, on the road to Menin and Courtrai. It bears the names of 55,000 men who were lost without trace during the defence of the Ypres Salient in the First World War. Carved in stone above the central arch are the words:

TO THE ARMIES OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE WHO STOOD HERE FROM 1914 TO 1918 AND TO THOSE OF THEIR DEAD WHO HAVE NO KNOWN GRAVE.

August Louisa Heron died on September 8, 1934, in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, of carcinoma of the stomach. She was buried in Union Cemetery, Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. 
ContributorsCreated : 2008-07-20 01:42:55 / From original database

Last Updated : 2009-01-24 14:45:21 /

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IDNameDOBPlace of birthArrivals & ShipsDest.AgencyFamily links
3905 HERON, George Thomas1872SCT,    , Forfarshire Jul 1883 : Corean CAN Unknown