Mr Julius “Jules” SAP

Who was Julius SAP?

Julius “Jules” SAP was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old Belgian farm hand who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on September 20, 1890, in Rek, near Zwevezele, Belgium, SAP’s journey on the ill-fated ship would become a defining moment in his life, leading to a series of adventures and challenges that spanned two continents and two world wars.

Early Life and Background

A Belgian Farm Hand’s Ambitions

Julius SAP grew up in the rural Belgian town of Rek, where he worked as a farm hand. Like many Europeans of his time, he saw opportunity in the New World and decided to embark on a journey that would change his life forever.

The Titanic Journey

Why did SAP board the Titanic?

SAP boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger, with the intention of assisting in the sugar beet campaign near Detroit, Michigan. He was not alone in this endeavor; his compatriots Theodore De Mulder and Jean Scheerlinckx shared the same goal.

Ticket and Accommodation Details

Ticket Number: 345768
Fare: £9 10s (9 pounds, 10 shillings)
Class: 3rd Class

The Fateful Night

How did SAP experience the Titanic’s collision?

Jules SAP’s recollection of the night of April 14, 1912, was vivid and harrowing. He was immediately awakened by the impact with the iceberg. In his own words:

I quickly put on my trousers and headed to the deck above. It didn’t take long to learn that the Titanic had struck an iceberg and was sinking.

The Struggle for Survival

SAP’s account of the ensuing chaos provides a chilling glimpse into the desperate situation faced by third-class passengers:

Difficulty finding a lifebelt
Resorting to threats to obtain one
Witnessing crowding and confusion in the third-class area

In a moment of desperation, SAP admitted to threatening someone at knifepoint to secure a lifebelt, a testament to the life-or-death situation unfolding around him.

Rescue and Aftermath

Which lifeboat rescued SAP?

While the exact lifeboat number is uncertain, it is believed that SAP was rescued in lifeboat 11. As a survivor, his ordeal was far from over.

Post-Titanic Experiences

After his rescue, SAP’s life took several unexpected turns:

Participated in a travelling show recounting his Titanic experience
Was swindled out of earnings from the show
Worked as a farm hand near Toronto, Canada
Returned to Belgium in 1914 to join the army
Served as a soldier in World War I

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic shape SAP’s later years?

The Titanic disaster was just the beginning of SAP’s eventful life:

Year	Event
1918	Married and returned to America
1924	Worked on a tobacco plantation in Winnipeg, Manitoba
1925	Returned to Belgium permanently
Post-1925	Resumed work as a farm hand, participating in annual sugar beet campaigns in northern France

Throughout his later years, SAP occasionally revisited his Titanic experience, performing in cinemas and recounting his story for a commission on admittance fees.

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

Julius “Jules” SAP’s life story is a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors. From his humble beginnings as a Belgian farm hand to his harrowing experience on the Titanic and his subsequent adventures across two continents, SAP’s life was anything but ordinary.

A Unique Place in Titanic History

When Jules SAP passed away on December 15, 1966, at the age of 76 (seventy-six), he secured a unique place in Titanic history as the last surviving Belgian passenger from the ill-fated voyage. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse lives touched by one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.

SAP’s journey from a third-class passenger to a notable Titanic survivor exemplifies the enduring fascination with those who lived through the Titanic’s sinking. His life story continues to captivate those interested in the human stories behind the tragic events of April 1912.