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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Flight Sub Lieutenant R. COLLINS, RNAS


Cnock

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Hello,

Does anyone has more information concerning

Flight Sub Lieutenant Ronald Felix COLLINS, 10 Sqn,

who died on 28/4/1917.

Regards,

Cnock

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Cnock, Manicafan will doubtless give you his career details. All I have (from the books) is that he ditched his Sopwith Triplane Scout (N.5350) after engine failure en route to Boulogne on 23 April 1917. He and the aircraft were recovered by the French patrol boat JOYEUSE and taken to Dunkirk. Five days later, on 28 April, he stalled (in STS N.5438) from 50 feet after a bumped landing and died of his injuries.

H2

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Eddy,

Collins, Ronald Felix FSL

Born 7th April 1895. From London.

Joined the RNAS on 24th September 1916.

Under Instruction at Crystal Palace from 24th September 1916.

Under instruction at Eastchurch from 2nd October 1916.

Under Instruction at Cranwell from 9th December 1916.

Dover on 14th April 1917.

10(N) from 18th April 1917 to 28th April 1917, when crashed on landing at Furnes, suffered fracture to base of skull and fractured right leg, subsequently died of his injuries.

28th April

A bombing escort mission was scheduled for 15.40 but the five Triplanes were unable to locate the bombers. The patrol continued as a formation practice, upon completion of which, FSL Collins bounced his Triplane (N5438) when trying to land, took off again, stalled and side-slipped in from 50ft wrecking the machine, Collins subsequently died of his injuries.

Taken from "A History of No.10 Squadron RNAS in WW1", published by Schiffer, written by somebody or other :P

I never managed to find a photograph of him unfortunately. However, I can tell you every flight he made with the squadron if you want.

Regards,

Mike

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Mike, H2,

Thank You very much!

Regards,

Cnock

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I never managed to find a photograph of him unfortunately. However, I can tell you every flight he made with the squadron if you want.

Regards,

Mike

If that information is in said book then I could provide that information also. :)

If a picture turns up I would appreciate being able to include a copy within the book.

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PetrolPigeon,

you would not believe what turns up the minute a book goes to press - in ths case a photo of Black Sheep (unfortunately I do not possess a copy and almost certainly would not have been allowed to use), a very nice shot of Gerry Nash and Leslie Kent in a POW camp, letters written after the war, several other officers etc. That's life I suppose!

If a shot of Collins does surface I'll remember you!

Mike

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You can also trace the dsposition of RNAS officers using the National Archives references are in this thread

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If a shot of Collins does surface I'll remember you!

Mike

Thanks for that and I do know only to well how things turn up after texts have been 'put-to-bed'. ;)

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Eddy,

Collins, Ronald Felix FSL

Born 7th April 1895. From London.

Joined the RNAS on 24th September 1916.

Under Instruction at Crystal Palace from 24th September 1916.

Under instruction at Eastchurch from 2nd October 1916.

Under Instruction at Cranwell from 9th December 1916.

Dover on 14th April 1917.

10(N) from 18th April 1917 to 28th April 1917, when crashed on landing at Furnes, suffered fracture to base of skull and fractured right leg, subsequently died of his injuries.

28th April

A bombing escort mission was scheduled for 15.40 but the five Triplanes were unable to locate the bombers. The patrol continued as a formation practice, upon completion of which, FSL Collins bounced his Triplane (N5438) when trying to land, took off again, stalled and side-slipped in from 50ft wrecking the machine, Collins subsequently died of his injuries.

Taken from "A History of No.10 Squadron RNAS in WW1", published by Schiffer, written by somebody or other :P

I never managed to find a photograph of him unfortunately. However, I can tell you every flight he made with the squadron if you want.

Regards,

Mike

Hi,

Just a little to add to Mike's post.

Collins enlisted in the RNAS as a Leading Mechanic on 29th August 1914 as F186

He served with No 3 Squadron in 1914

He was awarded the 1914 Star (see page 194 in "The 1914 Star to The Royal Navy & The Royal Marines"

W.H.Fevyer & J.W.Wilson. Naval & Military Press)

I also believe his log book and a photograph or photographs are held in what was the Liddle Collection in the Brereton Library, University of Leeds although I have a feeling that the title of the collection has changed.

It's a pity that Mike didn't ask as I have been aware of the material in Leeds for over 5 years.

Regards Duncan

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Duncan,

thanks for reminding me - I was aware of the material at Leeds Uni - though comparing the current description with the description that I printed off about 5 or 6 years ago shows considerable differences!!!

I will enquire if the album contains a shot of Collins.

The Liddle Collection is a valuable source and the library responds very quickly to requests (usually).

By the way, I did ask, about 16 - 17 years ago and also about 4 years ago! :P

Mike

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