WW1

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Collis, Francis Joseph

Born 11^th July 1892 Brighton Tasmania the son of Nicholas Edward and Mary Jean Collis (nee McShane) a farmer he embarked Melbourne 25^th October 1916 with his brother Albert Edward Collis on board “HMAT Ulysses” with the 12^th Infantry Battalion. 

He died 23^rd March 1918 at the Sutton Veny Hospital in England from generalised tuberculosis and was buried in the Sutton Veny (St John) Churchyard, United Kingdom. 

His brother Albert Edward Collis (No 6819 died 21^st September 1917 at the 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station from wounds received in the field and was buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. 

PONTVILLE CHURCH St Matthew's Destroyed by Fire

Entire Contents Lost - Impenetrable Wall of  Flame            Eve of 60th Anniversary

St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church at Pontville was totally destroyed by fire early yesterday morning, the entire contents of the building, including the Stations of the Cross, recently erected at a cost of £200, having been lost. The destruction of the building is the more regrettable seeing that the fire occurred on the eve of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the opening of the church. The total loss is estimated at between £3,000 and £4,000. The diamond jubilee of the opening of the church was to have been celebrated on Sunday, and last week a new set of Stations of the Cross was installed, at a cost of £200. St. Matthew's was considered to be one of the best country churches in Tasmania, and the loss will be a big blow to the people of the Roman Catholic community of the Brighton parish, who have worked so hard in the interests of the church. The first indication that anything was wrong was gained about 6 o'clock yesterday morning, when a resident of Pontville, Mr, J. Barrow, who, when rising preparatory to going to his work, noticed the building in flames. Senior Constable Devitt was informed, and, with Mr. Barrow, made all haste to the church, which was situate about a quarter of a mile from the township. Several residents were aroused as the two men passed by their homes, and others were awakened by the roar of the flames within the building

 The constable rushed to the main entrance door, and endeavoured to force his way into the burning building. The door was not securely fastened, and as it crashed in, he was confronted by a wall of flame which made any attempt to enter the church impossible. Knowing that valuable contents were at stake, those on the scene were encouraged to do their utmost to check the outbreak. By this time their numbers began to increase, and further attempts were made to gain entrance by means of the doors at the eastern end. Each time, however, the flames proved impenetrable, and were leaping in every direction. A lack of water made it impossible to fight the fire, and as the heat was becoming intense, those present were forced to retreat and leave the church and its contents at the mercy of the flames. Magnificent stained glass windows were broken by the heat, and soon the fire began to show through the topmost parts of the building in every direction. Then, with tragic suddenness, and to the dismay of the helpless group of onlookers, the roof crashed bodily, sending flames leaping over the topmost steeple, which had remained standing.

By 7.30 a.m. only the walls of what was a beautiful church remained. Although from the outside appearance the walls, which were erected 60 years ago, appear to be quite firm, it is extremely doubtful whether this is so.

The calamity is all the more regrettable in consequence of the destruction of four valuable stained glass windows, two of which were erected a few years ago by Mr. Nicholas Collis, sen., in memory of his two sons, Frank and Albert, who gave their lives in thee Great War. The window in memory of the late Rev. Father C. Corcoran, who was in charge of the Brighton parish for 16 years, was erected by the church people, while Mrs. Geo. Piesse erected the other in memory of tho Stanfield family, who, lived in the district for many years. In addition to the stained memorial windows and the newly-erected Stations of the Cross, a beautiful Crucifix, situated at the back of the altar, and presented by the Rev. Father A. J. Cullen, of Cygnet, together with four valuable statues on either side of the altar and an organ valued at £70, were also destroyed.

St. Matthew's Church, to say the least, was a fine building. It was situated on the hill on the southern side of Pontville, and presented a stately appearance. It was constructed of cut freestone, with an iron roof. The stone was quarried in the district, and, it is stated, was carted by farmers of the surrounding district who were anxious to assist in the erection of the building. Mr. John Gillon, of Hobart Town, erected St. Matthew's In 1867, and there could not be found the slightest trace of decay in any part of it. The priest in charge of the parish at that time was the Very Rev. Father W. J. Dunne, V.G., and it was mainly through his work among the people that the building was erected. From time to time the interior of the church has been improved, but never in all its history has it been fitted by such beautiful furnishings and statuary as this year. The Sunday-school, which is within 25 yards of the church, had a narrow escape from being burnt, and although at times it was surrounded by sparks and flying embers from the burning building, it is thought that the iron roof saved it. The church was only partly insured with the Catholic Church Insurance Company, Melbourne, but it is considered that it will take £4,000 to replace it with a suitable building and equipment.

Only 10 hours before the outbreak was noticed, the usual Sunday evening service was held in the church. It was followed by a meeting to arrange for the jubilee celebrations next week, and when Rev. Father Donald Shaw, who is in charge of Brighton parish, and Mr. Nicholas Collis, sen., left the building everything appeared quite safe. The kerosene lamps and candles were extinguished before they left. Asked yesterday whether he could suggest any idea as to how the fire originated. Mr. Collis said he could not. He stated, however, that about 1.45 in the morning he was awakened by a shower of stones thrown on tho roof of his house near the Brighton racecourse. "Whether the stones were thrown on the roof to let me know the church was on fire, I   I cannot say," he remarked, "but there certainly seems to be something funny about the whole thing, as everything was left quite safe at the church Sunday evening."

The Mercury Hobart 6^th September 1927

Back of photo         To all from Walter Weeding                                                                   

 Left to right Les Sinnett Mangalore, Frank and Alby Collis, Brighton                                          

Sitting Walter Weeding and Jack Smith Brighton.                                                                   

Photo Courtesy Greg Watson                                                                                             

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