Name
H J Collins
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
30/07/1917
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Gunner
30774
Royal Field Artillery
"C" Bty. 71st Bde.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY
II. B. 13.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
NA
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Ashwell memorials
Pre War
The information we have comes from a newspaper article in the Hertfordshire Express of 9th September 1917.
H Collins was the son of Mr and Mrs H J Collins of Chalkman's Knoll, Ashwell
Wartime Service
Gunner H Collins was killed near his battery. His Lieutenant wrote: "German shells began to fall amongst our guns. The officers in charge ordered the men to scatter and almost all escaped, but alas your son was one of two killed. He was taking cover on the right of the battery with another gunner, named Hanson, when the last German shell fell close by and killed both instantaneously. There is nothing that can recompense a mother for the loss of her son, and all I can do I fear is to tell you how deeply I sympathise with you. Collins was one of the gunners of my own section, and I especially chose him because I saw in him a man who was never afraid of work, and always willing to do anything that had to be done and capable moreover of doing it well. He was always ready and cheerful and was liked by everyone in the battery. He has made the supreme sacrifice for King and Country, and I do noth think he would have grudges his life."
Additional Information
The report also adds that his oldest brother served and was rendered blind by shrapnel in June 1915,
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild
