Cornelius Collins Senior 17/4/1897 – 2/6/1952

As told by Cornelius Charles Collins Junior 2005

	Cornelius Charles Collins (Snr) was born on 17 April, 1897 in Stanley, Victoria. Not much is known of his early life. His early teenage life was in Stanley, Victoria. He enlisted in the army when he was very young. He could not have been older than 17. He was wounded in action at Gallipoli* and repatriated to England. The bullet in his thigh caused infection and he required a few operations it locate it. His wound was so severe, he was sent back to Australia.
	He married Mary Agnes (Molly) Coffey in Glenferrie on 30 August 1920. He was a warden in a mental hospital at Kew before being transferred to Beechworth in approximately 1927. He was a good cricketer and represented a country team that played a Country vs City competition each year. He once bowled Jack Ryder – a famous cricketer in those times. Dad was also a first class marksman. He was picked to represent a country team in a competition at Williamstown Firing Range. He came third.
	He and his mates often went out rabbiting and brought home a couple of dozen rabbits for us to eat. This was during the 1930 depression when things were pretty grim. In 1934 he was transferred back to Melbourne and worked at Royal Park until his early death in 1952.
	If ever you wanted a role model as a man and father, Dad was the answer. He was a kind, loving and gentle man. He never spoke ill of anyone. He taught my brother (Bill) and me (Con Jnr) to play cricket and partake in sport. I fully appreciate that grounding that gave me many hours of pleasure.

Prepared by Cornelius Collins Jnr 2005

*View Cornelius Collins Snr’s war medals here.

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