George Fred Preston

GEORGE FRED PRESTON

Private 10809, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

Died 15th September 1916 aged 22

No Known Grave Commemorated Loos Memorial, France

Son of Strickland and Ada Preston

Lived Eldon Street, Heckmondwike

George was born 24th June 1894 in Harrogate. He was baptised 2nd September 1894 at Christ Church, Harrogate. He was the eldest son of Strickland Preston and Ada nee Rowley. Strickland had been born in Heckmondwike and went to the Harrogate area to live with Octavious Parker and serve his apprenticeship as a Butcher in 1891. He married Ada in Normanton All Saints Church in 1894 and settled in the Harrogate area. In 1911 Strickland was staying with his parents in Eldon Street.

In 1901 George was at home with his younger siblings, Walter born in 1896, Victoria May born in 1898 and Annie born in 1900. By 1911 aged 16 years, he was a sea-going fisherman lodging with John Taylor and his mother. John Taylor was also a fisherman and lived at Carlton Row, Brighton.

George served in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and died on 15th September 1916 during the Somme Offensive. He has no known grave but his name is commemorated on the Memorial at Loos-en-Gohelle Panel 97 & 98.

George was the nephew of Leonard Preston whose name is also on the Heckmondwike War Memorial in Green Park.

George Fred Preston is also commemorated on St. James’s and St. Saviour’s War Memorials.{MA-105}

He was given the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Can you help? Do you have a better picture, are you able to add more information?

If you can please email us at spenvalleyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com