Subject

Marys at the Tomb

Text

unknown

Inscription

A.M.D.G. and in memory of Major Percy Robert Murdoch Collins, D.S.O., R.G.A. Killed in action near Ypres, on June 25, 1917. Aged 26 years; and of Amme Elinor Lula Collins (nee Grice), His Widow, who died on December 8, 1918. Aged 23 years. Erected by Henry M. Collins, of Frankston.

Description & History

On Sunday 18 October 1925, the Venerable Archdeacon Aicken unveiled ad dedicated a stained glass window in memory of Major Percy Collins D.S.O. and his widow, Anne Collins at St. Paul's, Frankston.Donor of the window was the Major's father, Henry Collins of 'Grace Hill', Frankston, who also gave a plaque in memory of his wife, Isabella who died in England in February 1917. On 8 July 1925, Mr. Collins placed the order for the window with Brooks, Robinson & Co., a firm that had previously supplied stained glass to the church. Sadly, the window was lost in the 1957 fire although a similar version of the design was still to be seen in St. Anselm's Albert Park.

Major Percy Robert Murdoch Collins D.S.O. (1890-1917) joined the British Army and was commanding the 13th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery when he was killed in action near Ypres on 25 June 1917. The Battery had been in France since 23 April 1915, usually deployed behind the front line to destroy enemy artillery, supply lines, railways and stores. He was buried in Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, Belgium.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Commemorative Roll; Frankston & Somerville Standard, 23 October 1925, p.1; www.1914-1918.net/siege-battery-index.htm; The Kirkpatrick Family Archives, http://genealogy.kirkpatrickaustralian.com/archives