Bankstown’s WWII vet Albert Collins, 104, created doll houses for free
World War II vet Albert Maurice Collins has been hit by shrapnel, survived skin cancer, heart attacks and a stroke, and he was still cracking jokes as he celebrated his 104th birthday recently.
The Express
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Albert ‘Bert’ Maurice Collins is one amazing World War II veteran, still smiling and cracking jokes as he marks his 104th year.
A Bankstown local since 1949 and a ballroom dancing champion with his second wife, Peggy, Mr Collins is among the oldest surviving WWII veterans in Australia, celebrating his 104th birthday on March 11.
According to the Australian War Memorial Research Centre, Mr Collins is one of the oldest surviving WWII veterans in the country.
During the war, Mr Collins was hit by shrapnel and has also survived skin cancer, heart attacks and a stroke but continues to enjoy the company of people.
He joined the Australian Army on August 5, 1940 and rose to the rank of sergeant as part of the 76 Mobile Searchlight Battery, Royal Artillery.
Mr Collins was called up into the army in 1940 and in 1943 was stationed with the 52nd
Anti-Aircraft Regiment at the swamplands surrounding Merauke airfield in Dutch New Guinea.
He has an amazing knack for solving mathematical problems while his sense of humour is very much alive.
Mr Collins said his parents Florence and Maurice brought him up to respect others and not to lie.
“When I was a boy, my mum said I must never be rude to anyone, to never tell lies and to always show respect towards others and they will respect me,” Mr Collins recalled.
“She told me if someone asks for my help, to just do it … of course now if you offer to help, you might get a knife in your ribs.
“I don’t swear but I’m no saint, and don’t drink alcohol or associate with people with a
doubtful personality or attitude towards honesty.
“I have always kept myself fit and used to play cricket, football and other sports.
“I’m just an ordinary bloke and think I’m a very lucky fella.”
After his first wife Norma died, Mr Collins married his first love Peggy, who passed away a few years ago. He does not have any children.
Mr Collins was the oldest veteran to march in the 2019 Anzac Day march, and is the
oldest member of Bankstown RSL, being a member for 59 years.
Mr Collins said he always wanted to join the Australian Navy but was turned away because he fainted during a very hot day at a shooting competition.
One of the least known talents is making fancy doll houses and rocking horses for those in need.
“When I made my first doll house for a friend, I noticed it wasn’t good so I went to my brother Hogan, who was a first rate carpenter and learnt from him,” Mr Collins recalled.
“I made more than a 1000 doll houses and never charged for them.
“I have all the equipment in my house and made doll houses until I was 95, which was a big disappointment as I enjoyed creating them.”
After the war, he worked as a salesman for Farmer and Company at George St, Sydney, for many years.
Blaxland federal Labor MP Jason Clare MP, said Mr Collins was “a part of a special generation of Australians that helped defend and save Australia in our darkest hour”.
“I’m fortunate to call someone like Bert my friend and I wish him a very happy
birthday,” Mr Clare said.
“104 is a tremendous achievement for any person, especially someone who has
been through what Bert has, so I congratulate him on this extraordinary milestone.”
Mayor Khal Asfour said “Bert is a pure joy to be around with such a warm and inviting personality”.
“His stories and experiences have captivated me and I’m sure he’s taught many people valuable lessons through them,” Cr Asfour said.