Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Cabinet maker by occupation, Ernest James Collins was 18 years and single when enlisted on the 12th of July 1915 in the 8th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 4460, and was listed as returned to Australia on the 8th of May 1919. Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 'Themistocles' on the 28th of January 1916. Wounded in action, France and admitted to Hospital suffering with Gunshot wound hand on the 19th of July 1916. Transferred to Ambulance Train on the 20th of July 1916 and transferred to 3rd Canadian General Hospital, Boulogne on the 21st of July 1916; transferred to No. 1 Convalescent Depot on the 24th of July 1916. Discharged to duty on the 14th of August 1916. Left England for return to Australia per 'Devanha' – remobilization - on the 8th of May 1919. Disembarked on the 23rd of June 1916 and Discharged on the 15th of August 1919 with the termination of period of enlistment. Tree No. 1136