James Collins

Killed in Action on the 12/06/1917 east of Monchy at the Battle of Arras

The Battalion arrived at Le Havre on the 14/08/1914 and were part of the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division when James fell. The Arras offensive, 1917 (Battle of Arras) : 9th April -16th June 1917 : Once again the British are called upon to launch an attack in support to a larger French offensive: the Battles of the Chemin des Dames and the hills of Champagne. The opening Battle of Vimy and the First Battle of the Scarpe are very encouraging, but once again the offensive - often known as the Battle of Arras - bogs down into an attritional slog. Final attempts to outflank the German lines at Bullecourt prove terribly costly. SEE PHOTOS x 15 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY APRIL - JUNE 1917. James' sisters husband Private Joseph Pilkington was also killed as was his wife's father Private Thomas John Foley (see Directory). James had only been at the front for 2 months. He left belongings which included letters, photos, playing cards, a prayer book and a wallet. James is listed as aged 30 when he fell (see Newspaper clipping) and 31 when he fell (see CWGC Grave Registration). James is also remembered in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour (Father Muller of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church verified the family details on the 17/07/1919. Mr and Mrs Collins were now now living with Frances and her daughter). See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Arras Memorial Panel List, the Royal Scots Fusiliers Cap Badge, James' Pension Records x 3 and his Service Record x 11. Finally, see photos for Newspaper clipping from the Coatbridge Leader 07/07/1917, Poppy placed by myself at Arras Memorial July 2023 x 3, Arras Memorial taken from Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery by myself July 2023 (partner Linda on the right) and the 3rd Division Order of Battle x 12 (the Division he was with when he died).