Trafford

Cannot find a Frank Collins, but a Francis Collins was born at Altrincham
on the 23rd October 1892, the birth being registered during the December
quarter 1892 in the Altrincham R.D. - ref: 8a/164, the elder son of Michael
& Ellen Collins (nee Smith).  Baptised at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul
on the 8th Septermber 1892.

1901 Census - 54 Chapel Street, Altrincham.  Listed as Frank Collins - Son
- aged: 9 - born: Altrincham.    Head of household - Michael Collins -
Married - aged: 40 - occ: Teamster on Farm - born: Ireland.  Plus 3 elder
siblings.   Mother - not at home.

1911 Census - 10 Lord Street, Altrincham - Listed as Frank Collins - Son -
aged: 18 - Golf Caddie at Golf Links - born: Altrincham.   Head of
household - Michael Collins - Married - aged: 58 - Farm Labourer - born:
Galway, Ireland.    Also Ellen Collins - Wife - aged: 50 - born:
Altrincham.  Plus 3 siblings.

Employed at Hamilton's Brickyard, Altrincham.

He enlisted in August 1914, posted to Birkenhead on the 21st August 1914
and was drafted to France on 23rd March 1915.

Not a great deal of information on the 1st Bn in 1915, having suffered such
horrendous losses in 1914. 

Starting the diary in May - they moved forward from Ypres on 05/05 and were
in action at Larch Wood. 'C' Coy later took part in an unsuccessful attack
at Hill 60, south of Ypres.  Relieved and moved to camp near Ouderdom. 
Went forward to reserve dug-outs on 14/05 and from there provided working
parties for the line running between Verbrandenmolen and Zillebeke.

Death reported in the 04/06/1915 edition of the Altrincham Guardian.  
Listed in the Guardian Year Book - Roll of Honour for 1916.

See also "The Bravest Little Street in England" by Karen Cliff, Trafford
Local Studies Library.