World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Manchester, England, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 4th Bedfordshire Regiment, British Army. On March 27, 1918, during a withdrawal of his battalion at Albert, France, Lieutenant Colonel Collings-Wells called for volunteers to remain behind and hold up the enemy while the main body of the battalion retreated. With his small body of volunteers he held off the advancing enemy for over one and a half hours. Later when his battalion was ordered to carry out a counterattack, he placed himself in front and led the attack and, even when twice wounded, refused to leave them. He continued to lead and encourage his men until he was killed at the moment of gaining their objective. For most conspicuous bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on April 24, 1918.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Manchester, England, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 4th Bedfordshire Regiment, British Army. On March 27, 1918, during a withdrawal of his battalion at Albert, France, Lieutenant Colonel Collings-Wells called for volunteers to remain behind and hold up the enemy while the main body of the battalion retreated. With his small body of volunteers he held off the advancing enemy for over one and a half hours. Later when his battalion was ordered to carry out a counterattack, he placed himself in front and led the attack and, even when twice wounded, refused to leave them. He continued to lead and encourage his men until he was killed at the moment of gaining their objective. For most conspicuous bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on April 24, 1918.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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