Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 462 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

November 10th, 1942

Citation:
"One night in October, 1942, this- officer was the navigator of an aircraft detailed to attack Maleme aerodrome, Crete. Whilst over the target area, the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground defences and Flight Lieutenant Collins who was lying in the bomb aimer's position was severely wounded. Both feet were almost severed at the ankles; he also sustained two serious wounds in the lower part of his back and several smaller wounds on other parts of the body. Although so seriously injured he refused morphia until he was satisfied that his aircraft was. being flown on a correct course. Afterwards he directed his captain for some four hours, until friendly territory was reached. His example of self sacrifice, high courage and devotion to duty materially assisted to save a severely damaged aircraft and its crew."

LG 35777/4867 (10 November 1942).