| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowland, Area 10 | Intelligence Officer | 16 Aug 1940 | 01 Oct 1943 |
| Phantom: The GHQ Liaison Regiment | Phantom Officer | 16 Sep 1939 | 15 Aug 1940 |
He commanded the Intelligence Section No.3 Military and Air Mission (Phantom) in the campaign in France 1940. He was evacuated from Dunkirk and wounded. He was awarded the Military Cross for services in France.
16 Aug 1940- circa Nov 43 Intelligence Officer Auxiliary Units Special Duties East Anglia
13 Jan 1944 posted to CBTA Civil Affairs Staff Centre on completion of course.
Mentioned in Despatches for services 1944/45 North West Europe,
5 Aug 1947 Relinquished his commission and awarded Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel
Collings was an accomplished horse trainer and breeder and was part of the Army Polo Team. His Alsatian dog, Mark, was a famous Belgian Police dog which came into his ownership by unorthodox means. Jill Holman from Aylsham looked after him for a few weeks while John was on a course.
GHQ Liaison Regiment: A Nominal Roll with Short Biographies, Asher Pirt; https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34714/supplement/7105/data.pdf https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38068/supplement/4281/data.pdf
https://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/archive/88897739
With Britain in Mortal Danger, J Warwicker
Auxiliary units Part II Orders 14 Jan 1944