Born in Melbourne, Victoria and a Farm labourer by Occupation, Michael Collins was 26 years and married when enlisted on the 13th of July 1915 in the 24th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 2359. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT RMS 'Osterley' on the 29th of September 1915. Evacuated to Hospital, 'wounded in action', France on the 5th of August 1916; Admitted 1st Canadian General Hospital Gunshot wound hand – mild on the 7th of August 1916; on the 16th of May 1917 admitted to 4th Southern General Hospital wounded – gunshot wound; on the 2nd of March 1917 to hospital sick and re-joined Battalion from Hospital on the 9th of April 1917. On the 15th of May 1917 Embarked per H.S. 'Panama' at Havre for England Gunshot wound Hand and leg and admitted to the 4th Southern Hospital Playmouth wounded on the 16th of May 1917. Embarked for returned to Australia per 'A68' for change gunshot wound right hand and leg on the 1st of November 1917. Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 14th of March 1918. Tree No. 1654