Private William Preston.
6570 2nd East Lancashire Regiment.
Missing in Action 9th May 1915. Aged 23.
William was born about 1892 in Burnley, the son of John and Catherine Preston. In the 1901 census the family were living at 13 Carlton St., Brierfield. John 38 labourer was born in County Mayo, Ireland. Catherine 38, Annie 12, Catherine 11, all born in Blackburn. William 9, Thomas 7, Edward 6, James 3 months, all born in Burnley. Ann Riley 34 a boarder and her children Catherine 10 and Mary 4 months. These 10 people were living in 4 rooms.
John, his father enlisted in the Yorkshire and Lancaster Regt. In Sept 1903, having already spent time in the services, serving in Egypt in 1882 and 3 years in Bermuda in 1883. He finished his present term of engagement in 1907 and he was mobilised on the 12 Oct 1914 at the grand age of 50. Promoted to Sgt and served with the 281st Supply Battalion. He was attached to prisoner of war camps in Dorchester and Ipswich before being discharged in 1918 as no longer fit for service.
The family were living at 16 Roper St in the 1911 census. John 46 miner, Catherine 46 weaver, Catherine 20 weaver, William 18 spinner, Thomas 16 spinner, Edward 15 spinner, Mary Ellen 8, John Robert 7, and Mary 2. His parents had been married 24 years and had had 9 children 1 of whom had died in infancy. According to the census 16 Roper St only had two rooms.
From The Express and Advertiser dated 24 July 1915: LOCAL WAR ITEMS.
Corporal E Cullen 10909, of South Street Burnley, and Private W Preston 6570 of Roper Street Burnley, both of the 2nd Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, who were previously reported wounded, are now reported wounded and missing.
Born in Burnley, lived at 16 Roper St.
William left his effects to his father John.
William is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium: Panels 5 & 6.