Daniel Collins (1889 - 1917)

Born 1889 in Jung Jung, Victoria, Australia

Ancestors

Died 3 May 1917 at about age 28 in Somme, France

Biography

Daniel Collins was born in 1889, his birth registered Jung Jung, Victoria. He is the son of John Collins and Jane Milligan. ^[1]

On 24th February 1916, Daniel enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, giving his birthplace as Jung Jung, Wimmera, Victoria. He was 23 years and 8 months old, his occupation a Farrier. His next-of-kin was his brother, F Collins, of Wilson street, Horsham. Daniel gave his own permanent address as c/o E. Collins, Penshurst, Victoria. He stated he had been rejected before, on account of his eyesight. When his original papers were lost, Daniel had to re-attest on 13th September 1916. A Roman Catholic, Daniel was described as having a medium complexion, brown eyes, and dark brown hair. Daniel requested that part of his earnings be paid to Miss Annie Collins, Penshurst.

In March 1917, he proceeded overseas per the Nestor, disembarking at Plymouth, before being promptly sent to France , part of the 23rd Battalion. Barely two months later, he was killed in action. ^[2]

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Private COLLINS, DANIEL

Service Number 5971

Died 03/05/1917

23rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.

Commemorated at VILLERS-BRETONNEUX MEMORIAL

Location: Somme, France ^[3]

The Horsham Times (Vic) Tuesday 10 July 1917 p 3

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1917.

DIED ON SERVICE.

Mr. Frank Collins, of Wilson-street, Horsham, received the sad news yesterday that his brother, Private Dan. Collins, who was previously reported missing, had been killed in action. The date of his death is given as May 3, the date on which he was reported as missing. The deceased, Who was 25 years of age, enlisted about 18 months ago. For about three years he was employed in his brother's shop. He was a popular young man, and the sympathy of all people in the district will be extended to his relatives. ^[4]

In 1921, according to the service file, Frank, was given charge of Daniel's war medals, under bond. Apparently the elder brother, who was entitled to them, had not been heard from for 27 years, and was thought to be in New Zealand, but none of the family knew if he was living or dead. Frank agreed to return the medals, on request, should the missing brother make himself known.

Sources

1. ↑ Department of Justice, Victoria Family history search  : 1889 BIRTH REG, Danl COLLINS, reg 22909
2. ↑ Service File (digital, 43 pages) National Archives Of AustraliaNAA: B2455, COLLINS D Search the Collection Collins Daniel : SERN 5971 : POB Jung VIC : POE Melbourne VIC : NOK B Collins Frank
3. ↑ Courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission COLLINS, DANIEL
4. ↑ 1917 'The Horsham Times,', The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 - 1954), 10 July, p. 3. , viewed 15 Dec 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72931957