224968 Pte. Frank Preston British Army 2nd Btn. Manchester Regiment from:76 Bolton Road, Leicester (d.26th Oct 1914) Private Frank Preston, of the 2nd Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, was killed on 26 October 1914 while his battalion was holding positions east of Festubert. Six days earlier, at Les Trois Maisons, he had distinguished himself during the fighting despite being only eighteen years old. His death was reported in The Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser on 20 November 1914:
“News has been received in Leicester from the War Office of the death of Private F. Preston, of the Manchester Regiment, who was killed in action in France on October 26th. Preston, who was only 18 years of age, was referred to recently as the baby of his company. When in action on October 20th, after the officers had been shot down, he ordered his comrades to fix bayonets, and led them in a charge which completely routed the enemy. For his brave act he was recommended for reward for distinguished conduct.â€
The following day, one of the local newspapers in his home town, The Leicester Chronicle, printed a more detailed article about Private Preston:
“The War Office has notified Mrs Clarke, of 76, Bolton Road, Leicester, that her son, Private Frank Preston, of D Company, 2nd Manchester Regiment, was killed in action on October 26th in France. It will be remembered that Private Preston, who was only 18 years of age, and was known as the “baby†of the company, led a gallant bayonet charge of the Manchesters on October 20th, and for this act was recommended for distinction.
The story of how Preston led the bayonet charge was told by a wounded corporal of D Company of the 2nd Battalion of the Manchester Regiment, who said:
It was on the 20th of October; the Germans were all around us, and our trenches had been enfiladed by their fire. First our lieutenant was wounded, and then the sergeant, and we were left without a single officer in command of the platoon.
Whilst we were wondering what to do, Private Preston, a lad of 18, known as the “baby†of the company, threw up his cap, and, with a ringing cheer, yelled: “Fix your bayonets, lads.†We did so and charged the advancing Germans. Preston was in the act of bayoneting one German, when the latter shouted: “For God’s sake, don’t stick me.†“It’s too late,†replied the youngster, “it’s through you.†That young fellow has been recommended for distinction,†concluded Corporal Isherwood.
The above thrilling story was told at Cardiff early in November at a time when Preston had already found a soldier’s grave. Heartfelt sympathy will be extended to the mother, who, naturally, was exceedingly proud of the fact that her son’s bravery had been recognised.â€
Sadly, Private Preston’s gallantry was not recognised and no award was forthcoming. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.
|