No.89292, Private, Harold Arthur COLLIN
Aged 33
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Harold Arthur Collin was born in Kirtling in 1884 (Newmarket Q1-1885 3B:565), baptised in Kirtling on 25th January 1885, son of Philip James Danby and
Alice Bertha COLLIN (née CLARK).
1891 census...Aged 6 (As Arthur H), he was at Prospect Villa, Sharpes Green, Kirtling with his father Philip J.D. COLLIN [45] a maltster born in Kirtling; his mother Alice B [39] born in Exning; brothers George P [18] builder's apprentice, James E [15]; sisters Alice M. [13], Edith M. [11], Grace E [10], Ellen S.[8], Agnes B. [4] and Etheldreda M. [2]. All the children were born in Kirtling. They had a visitor, a boarder and 2 servants that night. 1901 census...Aged 16, he was a schoolboy at 18-19 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, with John F COLLIN [27] a pharmaceutical chemist (manager) born Kirtling, with a housekeeper and servant. John was his brother John Francis (Frank). 1911 census...Aged 26, a commercial traveller in chemicals, he was at The Villa, Kirtling, with his parents and sisters Ellen Sophia and Etheldreda Mary. All ten children were still living. On 25th July 1912, in Kirtling Church, he married Gertrude HUMPHREY [17-11-1878]. They had a daughter Dorothy Kathleen Gertrude COLLIN on 16th May 1913 ( born in Exning). They were later living at 39b College Road, Norwich. The pension card has them c/o Mrs Humphrey, 2 Kingston House, Newmarket. |
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He enlisted in Norwich on 19th May 1916 No. 2074 2/3rd Highland Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorials) and put on the Reserves. He gave his age as 31 years 5 months, was 5 feet 6 inches (167.6 cm)tall, weighing 124 lbs (56.4 kg), chest 35" to 37" (88.9 to 94 cm), Episcopalian, address 39 b College Road, Norwich, occupation chemist's assistant. Wife, Gertrude Collin, address at marriage, Kingston House, Newmarket together with details of their daughter Dorothy. He was mobilised on 7th June 1916. On the 5th October 1916 he was transferred to the regular Royal Army Medical Corps and given a new number of 89292. On 13th December 1916 he qualified as a cook. 3rd/4th March 1917 he left Southampton to reach Rouen. Once in the BEF he was posted to 37th Field Ambulance. 37 Field Ambulance were part of 12th Division (Eastern) who operated from May to October 1917 in the Monchy le Preux region near Arras. On 3rd August 1917 he died of wounds received in action His Army documents instruct that his effect were to be sent to his wife, c/o A.J.D'Albani Esq, solicitor, 2 Kingston House, Newmarket. His effects were: a disc, pierced 3d coin, purse, photos, photo case, pocket case, letters, cookery book, safety razor, metalmatch case, metal locket with two photos, metal charm, pouch, pipe, 2 mirrors, note book and a Holy Bible. His widow was awarded a pension, for her and her daughter, of 18s 9d per week ( about 94 pence now). In 1919 the family were declared as wife and daughter at Kingston House, Newmarket, parents at The Villa, Kirtling, brothers George [46] at Cheveley Hall, Frank [44] at the Walk, Norwich and James [42] at Sussex Lodge, Newmarket. Sisters Margaret [41], Edith [39], Grace [38], Sophia [36] Agnes [32] and Audrey [30] were living with their parents at The Villa, Kirtling. CWGC have his wife living at Wallis House, Newmarket. |
photo: Rodney Gibson photo: Rodney Gibson
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