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COLLINS, Walter Joseph Alfred (1882-1953) – Worcestershire Regiment/Labour Corps

Private Walter Joseph Alfred Collins (1882-1953) appears to have moved to Wickhamford at some stage during the First World War, as he is recorded on the 1919 Absent Voters’ List as living in Wickhamford; this is the only reference to any connection with the village.

Walter was the son of George William Collins, a slaughterman, and his wife, Urah Ann.  Walter married Edith Ellen Haines in Cheltenham in 1899 and a son, Walter Sydney James, was born later that year.  Walter, a butcher, and family were living in Cheltenham in 1901.

Walter joined the 14th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment (No 25175) on 22nd October 1915 and went to France on 20th June 1916.  He returned to England on 2nd August 1917 and was transferred to the 627th Agricultural Company of the Labour Corps on 22nd December that year.  His Army record on his discharge, on 6th February 1919, gave his occupation as pork butcher and his address as in Bordesley, Birmingham.  He was awarded the Victory and British War medals.