James Collins as a 24 year old labourer when he enlisted in 1915, living at 192 George St., East Melbourne, probably a boarding house. He named Mrs. Slocombe of that address as his next of kin, so she may well have been his sister or other relative. He began his military training at Broadmeadows on 1 May, 1915 and then departed Melbourne on HMAT Ulysses A38 on 10 May 1915 as part of the 22nd Battalion, landing at Mudros, Egypt on 7/1/1916. The 22nd Battalion formed part of the 6th Brigade, attached to the 2nd Division. It was raised at the Broadmeadows Camp, Melbourne, with training being completed in Egypt. The 2nd Division first saw action in September, 1915, when it was sent as reinforcements to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where they had their first experience of battle holding the positions north of Anzac Cove. They remained at Gallipoli until December, 1915, when the Australian troops evacuated.

James Collins' service record unusually gives information, but it is probable that he took part in the defence of Anzac Cove with the rest of the 22nd Battalion. From here he proceeded to join the British Expeditionary Force at Alexandria on 19 March, 1916, before being sent on to France, disembarking at Marseilles on 26 March.

From Marseilles, the 22nd Battalion moved out to the Western Front. In March, the first action was at Fleurbaix, followed by the battle of Pozieres from 25 July to 7 August. Here the battalion suffered dreadful casualties, with 27 officers and 656 other ranks killed ro wounded. In all, there were 8,100 casualties from the 2nd Division. James Collins, however, survived and was made a permanent Corporal, having evacuated wounded during the battle. Mouquet Farm followed Pozieres and it is probably during that battle that James Collins recieved a gunshot wound to his left arm on 26 August, shattering the humerus. The attack on Mouquet Farm, held by the Germans,  had been anticipated by the German military, and, as the Australian toops moved forward, they were showered with barrages on three sides, leading again to heavy casualties.  

He was sent to Rouen, then on 30 August, returned to England on board H.S. Aberdonian. In London, he ws admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth, where he remained until October. His military service was over and it was decided to send him back to Australia. On 16 October, 1916, he boarded H.S. Karoola at Southampton. 

He returned to East Melbourne, living once more with Mrs. Slocombe at 'Zeta' in George St. He applied for a pension and was granted three pounds, eight shilling per fortnight. In 1961, he was at 15 Noble St., Strathmore. He died in 1969 at Heidelberg, aged 78.