Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Motor Mechanic by Occupation, Frank Austin Collins was 22 years and single when enlisted on the 19th of July 1915 in the 31st Battalion, D Company, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Lance Corporal, Number 831. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 'Wandilla' on the 9th of November 1915. Admitted to 8th Field Ambulance, Serapeum on the 27th of January 1916 (rectal abscess); Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force on the 16th of March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France on the 23rd of June 1916. Wounded in action on the 19-20th of July 1916 (wound, head and chest), and admitted to 8th Casualty Clearing Station on the 20th of July 1916; Promoted Corporal on the 20th of August 1916; Sergeant on the 15th of October 1916. Admitted to 38th Casualty Clearing Station on the 31st of October 1916 (rectal abscess); Marched in to No 3 Command Depot, Hurdcott on the 10th of April 1917. Proceeded overseas to France on the 22nd of May 1917; re-joined Battalion in the field on the 20th of June 1917. Wounded in action, 26 September 1917 (gunshot wound, wrist, left arm, compound fracture), and admitted to 6th Australian Field Ambulance; and admitted to Military Hospital, Frensham Hill, 5 October 1917 (wound severe; left forearm amputated); transferred to No 2 Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, 23 October 1917; discharged to No 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 25 October 1917. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Runic', 20 December 1917; disembarked Melbourne, 13 February 1918; discharged (wounded), Melbourne, 30 March 1918. Family/military connections Brother: 832 Lance Corporal Herbert Alan Collins MM MSM, 31st Battalion, returned to Australia, 7 February 1919. War service: Egypt, Western Front Tree No. 3324