Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Gordon Collins, my father, was born on February 21, 1918, to Annie and Andrew Collins. Upon completing his primary school education at the age of 13, Gordon joined the workforce, as his father had died in a traffic accident, when Gordon was seven years old, leaving Annie to raise three children under 10. Annie worked as a leather worker at Rossiters Shoe & Boot Company.
In his youth Gordon worked as a packer for D & J.Fowler& Company, importers of tea, sugar and flour, and producers of cornflour and custard powder.
When World War Two broke out Gordon applied to join the RAAF, enlisting at No.5 Recruiting Centre in Adelaide. He was appointed as Storekeeper/ Equipment Assistant and served in Adelaide from January 14, 1941. Gordon served at Laverton, Mt.Gambier, Ransford, Brisbane and Adelaide from 1941 to 1946. While serving at Mt.Gambier he met and married Margaret Jane Knight, who was also serving there. Gordon was a talented footballer and captained the Air Observers School football team which won the 1943 Football Carnival held at Vansittart Oval, Mt.Gambier. He also served briefly at Ascot Vale and Stonnington in Victoria.
Gordon was discharged on March 16, 1946,being awarded the 1939-45 War Medal, the Australian Service Medal and the General Service Badge. He died on March 12 2011, and, being proud of his Irish heritage, was buried on St.Patrick's Day, March 17, 2011.
Christopher Collins