Tom Collis

A Leading Cook with H.M. Trawler Wallasea. Tom died on 6th of January 1944 at the age of 36.

Tom was born at Hull on 9 February 1907, a son of Thomas William and Annie Elizabeth Collis. In 1911 his family lived at 5 County Villas, Milton Road, Lowestoft. Later his family lived at 1 Maidstone Road, Lowestoft. 

Tom married Helena Frances Folkard at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 26 April 1931. At that time Tom was working as a confectioner and Helen as a shop assistant. By 1939 they were living at 20 Winnipeg Road, Lowestoft, and Tom worked as an insurance agent. At that time he was also an A.R.P. man. 

Tom served on H.M. Trawler Wallasea. On 6 January 1944 the Wallasea was escorting convoy WP 457. Off Mounts Bay, Cornwall, the Wallasea was attacked and sunk by a flotilla of German motor torpedo boats. Seventeen of the crew, including Tom, were killed. 

See: HMS Wallasea | John Knifton