Collier, Reginald John C

2nd Lieutenant Reginald John C Collier

Collier was born at 21 Stranmillis Gardens, Belfast on 15th October 1898 to son of William Francis Collier, Accountant and Marion F Collier nee Townsend. They had married on 14th August 1896 at Carlisle Parish Church, Bandon, Co. Cork.

In 1901 Collier (2) was living in house 11, Evelyn Gardens, Clifton Ward, Belfast with his parents and a sister, Katherine (0). A servant, Mary Colwell was also living in the house.

By 1911 the family have moved to house 140, Hamilton Road, Bangor, Co. Down. Parents and 2 daughters; Katherine (10) and Constance (4).

Collier was not present in the house on census day, but was recorded as being at school as a pupil in house 1.2, Blackhall Place, West Side, Aaron Quay, Dublin. He was then known as Reginald.

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, his parents signed the Ulster Covenant and Women's Declaration at Dufferin Memorial Hall, Bangor giving their address as 123 Hamilton Road, Bangor. 

Collier joined the Belfast Banking Company from where he enlisted. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee

He is recorded as working Markets (Cromac Street, Belfast) branch at the time.

Belfast Bank, Markets branch

Collier volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Flying Corps (RFC).

R J Collier - Medal Index Card

Collier was serving with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) as a 2nd Lieutenant when he was accidentally killed in action (while flying – crashed) on 12th February 1918 aged 19. His Service Record is transcribed with 'Killed as Result of Aero Accident'. The accident occurred at RAF Yatesbury.

The Belfast News Letter of 14th February 1918 reports:

Collier is buried in Bangor Cemetery and commemorated in St. Comgall’s Parish Church, Bangor. The memorial consists of a new organ that has been erected as a thanksgiving for victory and peace, and in proud and grateful memory of those members of the congregation who laid down their lives in the Great War.

Thanks to Nigel Henderson of Great War Ulster Newspaper Archive for this image.

The following information comes from the RAF Museum:

Collier is also remembered on the De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour: