COLLINGWOOD, Joseph James

Joseph was a thirty-two-year-old Mine Manager at Copeton NSW when he enlisted at Randwick in August 1914. He was born in England, served in South Africa in 1901-2 and then worked at the Kimberley diamond mines until coming to Australia.

He joined the 2nd Battalion, B Company and sailed from Australia for Egypt on HMAT A23 Suffolk in October 1914. He served at Gallipoli until evacuation and in March 1916 was sent to France. He had several promotions during this time, from Lance Corporal to Sergeant, Corporal and then became a 2nd Lieutenant in January 1916. At Pozieres in September, he was wounded and sent to England for treatment at 4th London General Hospital for gunshot wounds to both arms, leg and face. Joseph was awarded the Military Medal in April 1917, Mentioned in Despatches in June 1917; and awarded the Military Cross in October 1918.

After returning to Australia, he was medically discharged in 1919 and eventually acquired Soldier Settlers land near Forbes NSW. After the sale of his property in 1938 he moved to Sydney where he died in 1965.

Joseph’s name is recorded on the Copeton Roll of Honor.