Norman Collins: Veteran of the Great War

After witnessing the infamous German naval bombardment at Hartlepool which resulted in 700 deaths and injuries, Norman Collins joined the Seaforth Highlanders in 51st Highland Division while under age. He fought at Beaumont Hamel, was wounded soon after and returned for the Battle of Arras. At Passchendaele he was severely wounded and suffered battle fatigue. Norman had an unusually detailed collection of letters, documents, illustrations and photographs which the author has drawn on extensively and the result is a marvellously moving biography of a very special veteran who lived to be 100.