Fusilier David Collins of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was killed in Cyprus on Sunday, 4th November, 2012.
Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force joins with the rest of the Regimental Family in extending its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and comrades in 2 RRF.
Fusilier Collins was a former Cadet in GMACF, where he served with 4 Company’s Stretford detachment; it was here that he first donned the Fusilier hackle, of which he and all presently-serving and past Cadets in the Detachment are so very proud.
His passing was marked by an evening vigil at the Cadet Hut on Wednesday, 8th November, and a short service led by one of our County Padres, Father Gerard Fieldhouse-Byrne who delivered a moving service. In attendance were the County Commandant, Colonel Mike Glover (who is also Secretary for the RRF), a number of Cadet Adult Volunteers and over 50 present and past members of the Detachment, including some who had travelled a considerable distance.
Fusilier Collins is fondly remembered by his Company Sergeant Major, his Detachment Commander and his fellow Cadets; summed up – think of a latter-day Artful Dodger – cheerful, hard-working, mischievous but (usually) respectful of authority, who, when promoted, developed rapidly into a resourceful and energetic jnco. To his Detachment leaders, both former Regular soldiers, it was soon clear that he was a born infantry soldier and he will be missed by those with whom he came into contact.