Thomas Collins (soldier)

Private Thomas Collins of Pelcomb, Camrose in the county of Pembrokeshire, Wales was a participant in the battle of Rorke's Drift which took place 22–23 January 1879.

His great grandparents were William Collins and Martha Smith of Roch, Pembrokeshire.

Private Collins 25B/1396, B Company 2nd battalion is believed to be the youngest soldier[2] to defend the mission station at Rorke's Drift and the only Pembrokeshire representative.

Collins' life was researched by George Harris from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire with the help of Andrew Thomas of Thornton, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, a relative to Private Thomas Collins, also Kristine Wheatley, a descendant of Caleb Wood, another of the defenders of Rorke's Drift 1879.

A campaign led by George Harris and Pembrokeshire County Council chairman Clive Collins to erect a memorial stone[3] and tablet at Pelcomb succeeded in 2006.