Medals & Militaria Saturday, 22 June 2024 - 11:00 AM start

NZEF Trio to 12/2247 J. Collins

Lot Details

The 1914/15 Star trio issued to 12/2247 James Randall Collins, who served on Gallipoli and the Western Front. James Collins was born 9th February 1892 at Hukerenui, New Zealand. Son of Henry and Sarah Collins (née Wilson). At the time of his enlistment in the NZEF in February 1915 James was working as a bushman near Tairua on the Coromandel. He embarked with 5th Reinforcements, Auckland Infantry Battalion, and landed on Gallipoli on the 8th August, during the peak of the offensive to take Chunuk Bair. He would have been thrust straight into the chaos of those critical days, remaining unwounded. He was evacuated off the peninsula in September, suffering from enteric fever, and evacuated to the UK via Malta. James remained in the UK throughout 1916 before returning to France in March 1917 with the 3rd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment. He served throughout the rest of 1917, being promoted to lance-sergeant in October. He was evacuated to the UK in December 1917, and in January 1918, was classified unfit for further service. He was discharged in New Zealand in April 1918.