Reginald Michael Collins had a fairly brief war. He enlisted on 1 March, 1915, and was returned to Australia on 12 February, 1916. A commercial traveller by trade, he lived at 73 Hotham St., East Melbourne with his mother, Mrs. Esther Collins. He was placed in the 23rd Battalion, D Company and on 10 May, 1915, on board HMAT Euripides A 14, bound for Egypt. He was by then a Sergeant, having been promoted on 29 March, 1915.

On 10 August, 1915, the new recruits were taken on strength with the 23rd Battalion at Gallipoli. Three months later, Reginald Collins was wounded and on 27 November, admitted to the 6th Field Ambulance. The wound was not his greatest problem, however. He had also contacted paratyphoid, and on 3 Decemner was transferred to Malta on board H.C. Kairapara and admitted to St. Paul's Hospital. From Malta, he was sent back to Alexandria and rejoined his unit, but on 31 January, 1916, was readmitted to hospital at Heliopolis, again suffering from paratyphoid. 

On 8 February, Reginald Collins was invalided out at Suez, back to Australia, sailing from Egypt on 9 February on H.T. Nestor.

On 12 April, 1966, he contacted the army authorities. He was then living at 22 Marine Parade, St. Kilda. In his letter, he wroteAs i am in my 88th year, I would like, if possible to have the token to wear when I march with the Battalion on Anzac Day. Thanking you in advance, Yours faithfully, Reginal Collins 697.