COLLINS, Clarence Matthew

COLLINS, Clarence Matthew – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWI
SERVICE NO : 2157
RANK : Driver
UNIT : 2nd Light Horse Regiment
ENLISTMENT DATE : 4/11/1915
AGE : 18
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Toowoomba, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Goondiwindi, Queensland
RELIGION : Church of England
OCCUPATION : Farmer
DATE OF DEATH : 9/02/1971
PLACE OF BURIAL : Brisbane, Queensland

MEMORIALS : Yelarbon War Memorial, Yelarbon Roll of Honour, Goondiwindi War Memorial

View Veteran’s Service File : COLLINS, Clarence Matthew

NOTES : Clarence Matthew Collins was born in Goondiwindi and his parents were Alexander and Celia Collins (nee Crowell). The family lived at Yelarbon. At the time of his enlistment 18-year-old Clarence was working as a farmer in Toowoomba.

Together with his older brother Alexander William Collins 2158, the two young men enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces on 4 November 1915 as members of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment.

They embarked from Brisbane on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 28 March 1916.

Younger brother Godfrey Henry Collins 6313 enlisted on 4 August 1916.

His older brother Alexander was returned to Australia on 23 September 1916.

Clarence remained at the front and did not return to Australia until 11 April 1919.

A letter was sent on 4 July 1930 to the Defence Department requesting:

Would you kindly forward me what War Medals I am entitled to. My name is Trooper C. N. Collins No. 2157. 2nd Light Horse Reg. 1st Brigade.

I may mention I have not received any of my war medals yet.
Yours with oblige

C. N. Collins

Gore Street

Warwick

The medals were forwarded to Clarence.

Copyright 2026 Deborah C Wheeler and Duncan McLean, Southern Downs Military History

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