John Stanhope Collings-Wells facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Stanhope Collings-Wells
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| Born | 19 July 1880 Manchester, Lancashire |
| Died | 27 March 1918 (aged 37) Albert, France |
| Buried |
Bouzincourt Ridge Cemetery, Albert
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1904–1918 † |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit | Bedfordshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order |
Lieutenant-Colonel John Stanhope Collings-Wells was a brave English soldier. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth forces.
John Collings-Wells was born in Manchester on July 19, 1880. He went to Uppingham School and then to Christ Church, Oxford university. Later, he moved to Marple to help run his father's business.
Contents
Joining the Army
John Collings-Wells joined the army in 1904. He became a captain in 1907. He was part of the Militia, which later became the Special Reserve. This group helped provide extra soldiers for the main British Army when needed.
Serving in World War I
When World War I started in 1914, Collings-Wells went to France. He joined the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment. In January 1915, he was wounded and had to return to the UK.
He was promoted to temporary Major in 1916. He then became the commander of a company in the 4th Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment. This battalion also went to France in July 1916. By October 1916, he was in charge of the entire battalion as an acting Lieutenant-Colonel.
Awards for Bravery
John Collings-Wells received two very important awards for his courage. These awards showed his outstanding leadership and bravery in battle.
Distinguished Service Order
In 1917, he was given the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). This was for his leadership during the Second Battle of the Scarpe. His battalion captured and held parts of Gavrelle on April 23, 1917.
A few days later, on April 29, he led a combined group of soldiers. They attacked and captured the Oppy line during the Battle of Arleux. He was also mentioned in official reports in November 1917.
Victoria Cross
Lieutenant-Colonel Collings-Wells was awarded the Victoria Cross for his extreme bravery. This award is given for the most outstanding acts of courage in battle.
His Final Battle
John Collings-Wells sadly died on March 27, 1918. He was 37 years old. He was killed in action near Albert, France. He is buried at Bouzincourt Ridge Cemetery in Albert.
