F.W. Collins Collection

Papers, photographs and memorabilia relating to the 1948 Olympic Torch Relay, the AAA Summer School at Loughborough College, and other athletics matters.

Commander F. W. 'Bill' Collins, RN (1905-1989), was involved in athletics and the organisation of sport both in the Navy and nationally. In particular he coached javelin and was one of a number of coaches who taught at the AAA Summer Schools at Loughborough College in the 1930s. In 1947-48 he was responsible for organising the Olympic Torch Relay from Olympia in Greece across Europe to London for the 1948 Olympic Games. Commander Collins also originated and organised the Queen's Message Relay for the Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff in 1958 and for subsequent Commonwealth Games. In 1962 he founded the Torch Trophy Trust to encourage voluntary work for sport at club or local level.

Five sections: Olympic Torch Relay 1948 ; Olympic Games Memorabilia ; AAA Summer School, Loughborough College ; Athletics Material ; Books

Open for consultation

Deposited in the Library of Loughborough College, Radmoor Road, Loughborough by Commander Collins' daughter; transferred with the donor's consent to Loughborough University Archives 1996. Additional material deposited by Commander Collin's daughter in October 2005.

Typescript catalogue available in the searchroom

Description compiled by Jenny Clark, University Archivist

Copies may be made for research purposes at the discretion of the University Archivist. Requests to publish, in extract or in full, should be submitted to the University Archivist.