Bertram Hart was born in Haulbowline, Queenstown, Co. Cork on 23 Jan 1893
He was the third son of James Hart, Superintending Pharmacist at Plymouth Hospital and mother Emily.
Bertram was educated at Collegiate School, Malta and Devonport High School.
He was studying to become a dentist when he volunteered at the outbreak of War. He obtained a commission in the Royal Naval Air Service 7 Sept. 1914. He contracted pleurisy while in training at Hendon.
On 24 January 1915 he was accidentally shot by a sentry while on sick leave.