Francis Collins

Died of Wounds 17/09/1914 received during the German advance

Francis and the Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 23/08/1914 and were part of the 10th Brigade, 4th Division. Francis Died of Wounds 25 days after arriving in France. By nightfall on the 25th August 1914 the retreating British II Corps was being closely pursued by the German First Army. I Corps was some way away to the east, and although the newly-arrived 4th Division was moving up alongside II Corps it was clear that the disorganised and greatly fatigued units faced a calamity the next day if the withdrawal was forced to continue. Corps Commander Horace Smith-Dorrien ordered II Corps to stand and fight. The units of the Corps were arranged in the open downs to the west of the small town of Le Cateau. The total British casualties at Le Cateau amounted to 7,812 of all ranks, killed, wounded and missing. 38 field guns were lost. The Division fought at the Battle of the Marne, 7th - 10th September and the Battle of the Aisne, 12th - 15th September after Le Cateau. SEE PHOTOS x 20 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY FROM ARRIVAL IN FRANCE - 17th SEPTEMBER 1914. Francis is also remembered on the St. Mary's Catholic Church and in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Rolls of Honour (see photos). See photos for Francis' Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial Panel List, his name on the Ireland Casualties of WW1, his name on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, his Royal Irish Fusiliers Cap Badge and Francis' Pension Records x 3. Finally, see photos for a Newspaper clipping from the Coatbridge Express 20/01/1915 listing Francis on the St. Mary's Catholic Church Roll of Honour. Finally, see photos for the 4th Division Order of Battle x 12 (the Division Francis was with when he died).