Thomas Collins was the eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth Collins. He was born on 2nd January 1892. He was second oldest of ten children, all born in Coagh. His father was a farmer. Thomas Collins enlisted in the North Irish Horse in 1910. He was called up at the outbreak of the war. He contracted scarlet fever in 1915. He was some time in hospital both in France and England. On his recovery he returned to the front. Trooper Collins remained with the North Irish Horse throughout the war.