Cyril Gilbert Collins
Rank:
Driver
Serial No:
Serial No. 26497
Regiment:
5th Divisional Ammunition Column &3rd Field Artillery Brigade
Suburb:
Thirlmere
Cyril Gilbert Collins - Information
When Cyril decided to enlist in the AIF, he was living with his family at 6 Blangownie St in Petersham. He was born in Thirlmere c1893 to Edmund and Annie Collins, and later found work as a grocer. At the age of 22, he joined up on the 25th of April 1916 in Marrickville. He was allocated to the 7th Field Artillery Brigade, and then the 5th Reinforcements, 5th Divisional Ammunition Column as a Driver. Boarding the HMAT Mashobra, he departed Sydney on the 14th of September 1916.
The Mashobra made berth in Plymouth in early November. He was marched out to the Reserve Brigade Australian Artillery for training, and headed to France in 1917. He was then transferred to the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade in mid April. Artillery was vital to Western Front strategy. Their aim was to destroy enemy defences, as well as providing cover fire for advancing troops. Cyril survived the war, returning to Australia in early 1919. He reunited with his family enjoying a period of peace. Surprisingly, Cyril re-enlisted for service during the Second World War. He joined up on the 25th of June 1943. However, he had not been feeling well. He then died of a heart attack in Manly on the 2nd of July 1943.