Robert James Collins (1923-1944)

Soldier

Service No:	14231880
Rank:	Trooper
Squadron:	A
KIA:	7 Sep 1944.
Burial:	Schoonselhof Cemetery, Antwerp. Collective grave IV. E. 15-18. [Grave]
Commemorated:	23H Memorial, Bridlington Priory [Panel]
Mentioned in:	23H Story Page 272 Casualty List Record

Civilian

Residence:	56 Elm Park Road, Finchley, Middlesex
Birth:	1 Dec 1923 in Finchley

Parents

William Richard Collins	Phylis Maud Rushen
Landscape Gardener. 56 Elm Park Road, Finchley, Middlesex (1939). Birth 7 Jul 1882. Death registered Dec 1974 in Haringey, Greater London.	Birth 8 Dec 1891. Death registered Dec 1977 in Hendon, Middlesex.
Marriage 22 Jan 1914 at St James Church, Paddington, London.

Notes

Robert was a member of Lt Cottrell's crew who were all killed in Antwerp whilst baling out of their burning tank. The incident is described in the 23H Story, at the foot of Page 143.

We got out to greet the Squadron fitters with their recovery vehicle. It was able to stay on the metalled road but by means of a long towrope and winch pulled the two tanks out of the soft ground. Orders had been given to continue the advance but as soon as Lt. Cotterell's tank moved beyond the railway a German gun knocked it out and all members of the crew were killed.

Young Bertie, the memoirs of Bertie McCully, A Squadron

The crew members were:

Second Lieutenant R H Cottrell
Lance Corporal R O L Williams
Trooper R J Collins
Trooper C F C Smith
Trooper E J Stenner