King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

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Private James Collins

From The Lion and The Rose: January 1922

A Brave Deed by ex-Private J Collins
(Late of the 11th Battalion, The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment)

We observed a notice in the Press to the effect that the Royal Humane Society’s Bronze Medal and Certificate had been awarded to an ex-Soldier named Collins, of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. On enquiries being made it was found that this reward for saving life was earned by Number 22290 Private James Collins, late of the 11th Battalion, The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. Private Collins was badly wounded on the 17th July 1917, and has lost the use of his left arm. He lives in Dublin. In August last, seeing a man in danger of being drowned in the Grand Canal, Collins tucked his useless left arm into his belt and plunged in, and unassisted brought the man to the bank, where help was forthcoming to get both out.
Collins then assisted in restoring the man by artificial respiration, and accompanied him to Jervis Street Hospital.
We heartily congratulate Private Collins on this gallant feat, which has brought honour to himself and to the Regiment.

Records show that Private James Collins enlisted on the 31st August 1915 and served with the 11th Battalion, going overseas with them to the Western Front in June 1916.  He was discharged wounded on 13th March 1918 and received the British War Medal, Allied Victory Medal and Silver War Badge.


Enlisted 31st August 1915
Discharged, wounded, 13th March 1918.
 

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.