Edward Collier was born at Longkiston, Yorkshire on 14 August 1892, the son of George Barton and Gertrude Collier. He was a ‘WORCESTER’ Cadet in 1907 and 1908. On 15 May 1914 he was serving as the Third Mate on SS CANDIDATE. On 8 August 1914, Midshipman (Probationary) Edward Collier RNR, was appointed to the Armed Merchant Cruiser CARONIA. He was confirmed in the rank of Midshipman, RNR and was promoted to Acting Sub Lieutenant, RNR on 18 September 1914.

On 4 August 1915, he was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS MAIDSTONE ‘for Submarines‘. He was confirmed in the rank of Sub Lieutenant, RNR on 18 September 1915 and was promoted to Acting Lieutenant, RNR on the same date. On 8 October 1915 he was appointed to HMS E22 as Navigating Officer. E22 was sunk in the North Sea on 25 April 1916 after being torpedoed by the U-Boat UB-18. Edward Collier was the Officer of the Watch on the bridge of E22 when the torpedo hit and he was killed in the sinking.

Edward Collier was 23 years old and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Panel No. 11.