George Robert Collins

Rank:

Sergeant

Regimental number:

502596

Unit at enlistment:

52nd Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Commemorated at:

Farringdon Church, Victoria Public School Honour Roll

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Norfolk

Birth city:

Simcoe, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

35 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

35 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Plumber

Religious denominations:

Baptist

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

Wounded

BX January 10, 1917

In a letter to his father, George F. Collins, 35 Colborne Street, Private Douglas Collins gives particulars of an accident to his brother George with him in the 52nd Battalion. In June during the battle of Ypres he wrenched his back while assisting in cleaning out a trench. A few nights later after he (Douglas) had his limb put out, George was knocked down by the concussion from a whiz bang, which broke on the parapet, so ever since his back has been very weak. The writer of the letter states that he had a chance to have a tryout for the machine gun section for the flying corps, but he does not desire to leave his brother.

BX July 12, 1917

Word was received in the city today that Sapper George Robert Collins, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Collins, Mount Pleasant Road, had been admitted to a hospital suffering from gunshot wound. He went overseas with the Canadian Engineers.

BX September 9, 1918

Mr. F. Collins has received word that his son, Corporal George Robert Collins, infantry, has been officially reported admitted to No. 25 General Hospital, Hardelot, with gas wounds. He left with the Engineers from Kingston and has been in France for two and a half years, this being his second wounding. His last wound received in the fall of 1917, kept him in England for four and a half months. Previous to enlistment he was the stock keeper for T.A. Cowan. His brother, William is a returned veteran, and another brother is at Niagara camp on his way overseas.

BX February 4, 1919

Accidental Wound

Sergeant George Robert Collins, a well-known young Brantford soldier has been admitted to No. 51 Casualty Clearing Station with a lacerated wound, accidentally received in the hand. A message bringing this news was received by Sergeant Collins father, Mr. George F. Collins of the city. Sergeant Collins enlisted with the Canadian Engineers at Ottawa, but he was living in Brantford at the time of signing up. Flight Lieutenant F.D. Collins in England, is the brother.