[4][5] The part-time Militia was converted into the Special Reserve in 1908, with the role of providing reinforcements for the Regular Army in time of war.

[6][1] He was promoted to temporary major on 30 January 1916 and was serving as commander of A Company in 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment when it landed in France in July 1916.

[6][8][9] Collings-Wells was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1917 for his command of the battalion during the Second Battle of the Scarpe, when it captured and held the northern outskirts of Gavrelle on 23 April 1917.

[6][10] In the period 22/27 March during the fighting from Marcoing to Albert, France, while commanding 4th Bedfords he committed acts which earned him the Victoria Cross (VC).

The successful results of the operation were, without doubt, due to the undaunted courage exhibited by this officer.He was buried at Bouzincourt Ridge Cemetery (Plot 3, Row E, Grave 12).