Where and when were you born and what was your Early Life?

Ernest was born in Uraidla, South Australia, 30 March 1890. He attended a Public School in
Uraidla. His family moved to Maylands, Adelaide, South Australia before he joined the
army.

Edwards mother was Mrs Sarah Jane Collins, she lived in Maylands, South
Australia when Ernest died.
Father was Mr Robt. Collins, but there is limited information about him.
He had a British Decent as he was a Natural Born British Subject. This meant that
both of his parents must have also been British.

Edward had some relation to a Methodist Church in the Adelaide Hills.

He was not Married
His trade was a driver but he was never an apprentice of it. He continued to do
this while working in the services.
He had not served in the armied before WW1 but he did apply but was unable to
do so due to an impediment of speech (stutter etc).
He had two brothers Leslie (who joined on the 16 th of August 1915 and was also a
driver and died on the 29th of December in France) and Algernon Thomas (was a
private working for full duty. He joined on the 2 nd of June 1916 and died on the
13th of October 1917).

Life before enlisting

1 September 1916

Signed up for the services on the 12th of October 1916 in the State of South
Australia.
He was taken and subscribed a day later.
When he signed up he was;
26 years and 6 months old,

5 ft 4 inches.
123 Lbs
Flesh Completion
Blue Eyes
Brown Hair

What was life like while being in the army?

Edward was quite a strong solider who managed to never had to go to the
hospital until his death
His Service Number was 3141
He started as a Driver and made it to being the Rank of Private for over a year before his
death.
Edwards Unit was the 50th Australian Infantry Battalion
He served in the Australian Army in the First World War, 1914-1918
Conflict eligibility date: First World War, 1914-1921

Where did he go and what did he do?

He arrived at the military camp on the 12th/10/16
On allotment to unit on the 20/11/16

Was passed by the medical officer on the 13 th/10/16

Ernest was involved with
Edward served in the B coy. 2nd depot battalion as a private from the 12/10 to
the 8/11
Edward served in the F coy. 2nd depot battalion as a private from the 8/11 to
the 20/11
Edward served in the 8/50th battalion as a private from the 30/11
On the 4th of March 1917 he marched in ex Australia in England
On the 11th of March 1917 he marched out to 13th Tn Bn in England
On the 19th of June 1917 he Proceeded to France via Southampton.
On the 23rd of June 1917 he Marched in ex England
On the 15th of July 1917 he was Taken on Strength
He was killed in Action on the 21st of October 1917.

How and when did you die?

On the 14th of October in 1917, in Belgium he was killed in action. He was
working for the 50th Battalion whilst serving overseas for the imperial force.
Date of death: 14 October 1917
Place of death: Belgium
Cause of death: Killed in action
Age at death: 27
Cemetery or memorial details: Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium
Source: AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-1918 War, Army

Tweets
Early Life

Today is the 2nd of June 1916, my second brother Algernon Thomas joined the
army on as a private. Maybe I should sign up too.

During War
Yesterday I arrived at the military camp. Today, I was checked by the doctors. I hope Ill be asked
to join a battalion soon. Wish me luck!

Death

Im shattered. I just received word that my brother is dead. Now I am the only
son my parents left. I really want to see my parents again

https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/explore/people/169716
http://honouringanzacs.net.au/search-anzacs.php?
anzactype=4&search_text=Collins
http://australiaremembers.net.au/ww1/results_ww1.php?
answer=10&qn=5&veterantype=4&town=collins
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1728491/

http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?
B=3014638&S=1