Mexborough and Swinton Times June 23, 1917

Private J F Collier
(K.O.Y.L.I.)

of 12 Pretoria cottages, Goldthorpe, was killed in action on May 29.

He was single, aged 22 and enlisted in September 1914. He had been once wounded during his lengthy service at the Front. Two comrades, Col W Stocks and Private G Ledger, have written Private Collier’s father as follows:

“We cannot tell you how deeply sorry we all are to have to write this letter. We are sending home a few things that he had with him at the time. He was a sound lad and a good pal, and we shall miss his cheerfulness.

You, his own people, have a greater burden of grief, and we are deeply sorry for you. He was a brave, straightforward, and reliable man, and a clean soldier. If you have a photograph of him we shall be glad to have it, if you can spare it.

He is buried in a little cemetery just behind the lines. If we are spared to get back home we may be able to pay you a visit, as another pal of mine lives at Denaby, and I (private Ledger) live in Sheffield.”

From C.W.G.C.:

John Thomas Collier
Rank:Private
Service No:14492
Date of Death:29/05/1917
Age:23
Regiment/Service:King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 8th Bn.

Grave Reference:Sp. Mem. C. 23.
Cemetery:RAILWAY DUGOUTS BURIAL GROUND (TRANSPORT FARM)
Additional Information:
Son of Charles William and Emma Collier, of 12, Elizabeth St., Goldthorpe, Rotherham.