The
Collis
Family
Genealogy
Gunner James Collis VC
I am not sure if there is a connection with my family. However, it would seem very likely there is.
If anyone has any information on this colorful character please get in touch.
Further information can be obtained from articles in the Cambridge Chronicle of 5th July 1912, Page 10, which is an interview with James in a Cambridge Workhouse.
Also articles in the Cambridge Evening News about his medal selling for £7,200 on 26th November 1980 at Sotherbys. The location of the medal is not known.
19 April 1856 James Collis born., Cambridge.
1872 Enlisted in the British Army serving with the 32nd Regiment later the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Transferred to the Royal Horse Artilery.
28 July 1880 James wins his medal at the battle of Maiwand.
06 May 1881 James discharged from the Royal Horse Artilery.
11 July 1881 James had his VC presented on Poona Racecourse by Sir Frederick (later Lord) Roberts. Also the Afghanistan Medal with Kandahar Bar.
14 March 1882 Married Adela Grace Skuse, Widow, daughter of William Henry Woodham at the Mission Church, Girgaum, Bombay. By this time he was a constable in the Bombay Police.
Children of this marriage.
Arthur Henry Collis baptised 5 January 1883.
Elsie May Collis baptised 5 May 1884.
William Edward John Collis baptised 8 January 1886.
Robert George Collis born 7 October 1887, baptised 3 December 1887.
Note.
James was back in England when Robert was baptised as:
15 September 1887 James enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment at Bury St Edmunds for 7 years and then a reserve for a further 5 years.
25 September 1888 Returned to India.
05 May 1889 Invalided home.
26 February 1893 married Mary Goddard at St Pauls Chapel of Ease, Battersea, Surrey.
1895 Discovered a bigamist and given a prison sentence. Royal Warrant served 18 November stripping him of his VC.
05 July 1912 Interviewed by the Cambridge Chronicle in a Cambridge Workhouse.
!914 Enlisted with the Suffolk Regiment until August.
1917 Discharged on medical grounds.
28 June 1918 Died of a heart attack in hospital in Battersea, aged 62.
NOTES
He had 2 brothers, 1sister, and 8 nephews. I believe his brothers and sons served in the army.
He rose to the rank of inspector in the Bombay Police.
Many thanks to all those who contributed to this information including Jackie,
Vic (Birmingham), Vic (Australia) and Mark (Canada).
More information will be placed here as and when I obtain it.
If any of the above information is incorrect please let me know.
Also if any other members of his family read this please get in touch.
For further information try the following links.