Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Charles Collier a hosiery trade trimmer, born 1864 in Hinckley, Leics., and his wife Emily, born 1865 in Market Bosworth, Leics. Ernest John was born in 1895 in Hinckley, Leics., his siblings were, Elizabeth, born 1885, Annie, born 1889, Horace, born 1893, Harry, born 1898 and Percy, born 1901, all his siblings were born in Hinckley, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at 23, Mount Lane, Hinckley, Leics. In April 1911 Ernest was employed as a hosiery trade winder and was residing in the family home at 14, Thorneycroft Road, Hinckley, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Annie, Horace, Doris, born 1903 and William, born 1906, the latter two siblings were both born in Hinckley, Leics. On Friday March 2nd 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. THE ROLL OF HONOUR” – The death has occurred in action of Private Ernest John Collier, Coldstream Guards, second son of Mr and Mrs C. Collier, of Thorneycroft Road, Hinckley. Deceased who was 21 years of age, had been in the Army since December, 1915, and went to the front last August. On Saturday March 10th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “THE ROLL OF HONOUR” - “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” - The followings local casualties are officially reported. All are Private’s except where otherwise shown:- KILLED. GRENADIER GUARDS.- Collier, 21893 E. J. (Hinckley).