Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, Western Australia, Souvenir Patriotic Hankerchief, 7718 COLLINS, 16 Battalion

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Overview

Handkerchief hand inked with patriotic elements including inscription "For Right and Liberty". Created by a Mrs Davies from Boulder Western Australia and sent to 7718 Private Cornelius William Collins, 26th Reinforcement, 16 Battalion.

Historical information

7718 Private Cornelius William COLLINS was born in 1886 at Minimay, Victoria. A miner he gave his address as Boulder when he enlisted on 19 June 1917. Afte r discharge he returned to Boulder and married Ellen Teresa? in Kalgoorlie in 1919. While Cornelius had several brothers none were called Alfred. An article in a local paper suggests Cornelius was known as Bill which might explain why Mrs Davis called him William. I have found no children from this marriage.Trooper Collins is a distinct possibility as the recipient of this handkerchief but there is no definitive link from him to the donor John Collins. Further research required to fully ascertain identity of William Collins.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-2016.066B

Inscriptions and markings

Faded recipient details in pencil in upper left hand corner

Contextual information

On exhibit in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery, 1 August through 30 September 2025

Last modified

Saturday, 16 August, 2025

Completeness

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Australian Army Museum of Western Australia