Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: Courcelette.
BX October 17, 1916
Private Albert James Collins Reported Killed in Action
Another home in the city was yesterday saddened through the receipt of a yellow message from the war department at Ottawa, this bringing the news that Private Albert James Collins had been killed in action. The message came to the deceased man’s father, James Collins, 50 Walter Street. Private Collins enlisted with the 81st Battalion and later transferred to the Canadian Mounted Rifles. In pre-war days, he worked in the pattern room at the Cockshutt Plow works. Private Collins made the supreme sacrifice while only in his 19th year. He was unmarried. A brother, William, is a member of the 215th Battalion, and a brother-in-law, Joseph Haley, is with the 216th Bantam Battalion.
BX October 19, 1916
Private Albert James Collins Last Letter
A letter was received quite recently by Mr. Leonard Elliott, of this city, from Private Albert James Collins, who has since been killed in action. In part, he says; "We are certainly doing some fighting here. I am very lucky, God spares me. How are all the boys in the shop? Remember me to them; I am still safe and as happy as a lark." He enclosed a German button, which he had cut off the coat of a German prisoner.
BX October 26, 1916
Gave Up Life to Secure Aid for Company – Private Albert James Collins Did Not Fail Though he Died in Doing – A Gallant Lad
That Private Albert James Collins, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Collins, 50 Walter Street, gave up his life in an heroic attempt to secure reinforcements and munitions for his battalion - an effort which did not fail though he gave up his life in the doing - is the news received by his parents from their son's officer, A.L. Hamilton, C. Company, 4th C.M.R. He writes:
October 7, 1916
In the Field
Mrs. James Collins,
50 Walter Street,
Brantford, Canada
Dear Mrs. Collins
It is with very great regret that I find myself called on to write you concerning the death of your son. The death of our men always comes home to us officers, but we feel it especially in the case of your son. As Company runner, he spent most of his time near us, and his work brought him very closely into touch with us throughout. We therefore, came to think very highly of him, as he always showed himself willing, unselfish and efficient in his work. Further, he always impressed us as a good living boy who was devoted to his principles, and tried to live them even in the great difficulties of a soldier's life.
It should be a comfort to you to know that he died a heroic death in the discharge of a most important duty. On Sunday, Oct. 1, our battalion was engaged in a battle, which a general described as the hottest action the Canadians have yet experienced. It was absolutely necessary to get back an appeal for reinforcements and munitions and about 4 p.m. your boy started to carry the message through with his mate, Pte. E. Green. They had to pass through a heavy barrage, and as they tried to break through a shell struck them both. Another hero, seeing them fall, dashed out into the fire, seized the message, and successfully carried it through. Your boy certainly died a hero's death.
It should comfort you to know that your boy must have died without any pain. He was certainly expecting death any minute, but he could hardly have known what actually happened.
Let me say again that we all feel his loss keenly, and have a great sympathy for you in your greater loss. If we can be of any service to you in any way I trust that you will call on us.
Yours sincerely,
A.T. Hamilton (Capt.)
C. Company 4th C.M.R.
BX January 15, 1925
Last Resting Place Was Finally Located – Anxious Mother Receives Word Relating to Her Hero Son
After over eight years of painful waiting, Mrs. James Collins of 46 Emilie Street, this city, has learned for a certainty of the death and last resting place of her son, Private Collins, whose grave had hitherto not been located.
Private Collins enlisted at St. Catharines in October, 1915, he being an Old Country lad who had lived with his family here in Brantford during 14 years. He left as one of the 81st, but was afterwards transferred.
Before the close of 1916 Mrs. Collins received word of her son’s death, but could not get details of the place of burial as a confirmation of his having made the great sacrifice. Naturally the mother has spent an anxious time and feels greatly relieved in having received the following official letter:
Referring further to the regretted death of your son, the late Pte. Collins, will you please note that search parties searching the late battle areas discovered the isolated grave of this soldier in the vicinity of Courcelette and the remains were carefully and reverently removed and re-buried in grave No. 4, Row F, Plot 6, Tincourt, New British Cemetery Bouely, France. You are assured that the removal was carried out with every measure of care and reverence, accompanied with an appropriate religious service and enclosed herewith, is the identity disc of your late son which was recovered when the body was removed for re-burial. A monument will be erected over the grave and a communication in this respect will be forwarded to you later.
