Reginald Collins

In memoriam

721265, 2nd/24th Bn., London Regiment. Son of John and Florry/Florrie Collins of London and later Homefield, Woodfield Road, Hadleigh, Essex. His father was a Police Inspector in the Metropolitan Police, in the 1911 census the family was living at the police station on Kennington Road. Born Pimlico, educated at the City of Westminster School, clerk in the civil service - Temporary Clerk on the Police Commissioner's Office Staff. Enlisted Kennington 27 April 1915. Served 6 months in France, then posted to Salonika. Killed 7 May 1917 aged 19. Captain J. H. Twigg of the 24th Londons wrote to his parents: 'I feel I must write to offer you and Mrs Collins my deepest sympathy at the sad death of your son. He went out last night on a patrol in front of our trenches where a party of Germans was met. They were quickly driven off in the confusion, but your son who behaved most gallantly in the action was shot and died within the hour. He had been in my Company for over a year, and was among the few remaining sergeants who came out from England with me last June. He was a great favourite amongst us all and his death has caused a gap, which we shall find almost impossible to fill. Sergt. Collins has left behind him a fine record for cheerful devotion to duty. I always looked upon him as being a man to be relied upon, one who would do his work, whether difficult or dangerous, readily and well. We buried him in a small cemetery behind the trenches and a cross marks his grave. As many of his personal friends as could be possibly be spared, attended the funeral, which was conducted by the Brigade Chaplains'. Buried in Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece. Commemorated on the Hadleigh and Thundersley Roll of Honour

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