PRESTON, Walter George
| Service Number: | 2774 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 4 August 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | Royal Flying Corps |
| Born: | Toowong, Queensland, Australia, 13 January 1893 |
| Home Town: | Balmain, Leichhardt, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Clerk |
| Died: | 1970, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: |
Biography contributed by Stephen Brooks
Lieut. (T. Capt.) Walter George Preston Royal Flying Corps D.F.C was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His citation stated “This officer has taken part in 70 bombing raids, and has rendered most valuable service on reconnaissance duty by night. One night he carried out three most successful bombing raids on hostile rest billets, dropping his bombs and engaging the enemy troops with great effect. He sets an excellent example of skill and gallantry.”
Walter Preston served with the 18th and 3rd Battalions AIF, enlisting in Sydney and served as a machine gunner, and went through the battle at Pozieres. In late 1916 he transferred to the RFC and started pilot training. He stayed on in the RAF after the war becoming a Flight Lieutenant and later a Wing-Commander, while his brother Arthur, who had also transferred to the RFC and became a pilot, came home to Australia.
Click images to start slideshow.