James Graham PRESTON

09 November 1917

PRESTON – October 22nd 1917, in hospital in France, from wounds received in action on the Western Front, Private James Graham Preston, Lancashire Fusiliers, second son of Mr. and Mrs. James Preston, Askrigg, aged 20 years.

09 November 1917

ASKRIGG LAD DIES FOR HIS COUNTRY

The sad news was received on Monday by Mr. and Mrs. James Preston, Askrigg, that their second son, Pte. James Graham Preston, Lancs. Fusiliers, had died from wounds received on his 20th birthday, October 22nd. Private Preston volunteered for service in 1915, and joined up in September 1916. He went to France in January this year. He first joined the R.F.A., but was later transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers. He twice refused a commission, once in England and once in France, preferring to serve as a private. He wrote home every day after he was wounded right up to Oct. 31st, and he died on November 2nd, a bullet having pierced his lung. He returned to France six weeks ago after 10 days’ house leave. Mr. and Mrs. Preston received two letters from the assistant matron of the hospital to which their son was conveyed, the first letter stating the seriousness of the wound, and the second was as follows:–

“Dear Mrs. Preston, – It is with the deepest regret that I write to tell you that your boy died at 11-30 this morning. All day yesterday he was becoming gradually worse, and when I saw him this morning I felt he could not last long. He was perfectly conscious then, and when I asked him how he felt he said, ‘I’m rather weak.’ I told him I would write to you today and he said, ‘Send my love and remember me to all my relations.’ I am so very sorry, he was such a sweet boy, and I can imagine what a grief the news of his death will be to you. I don’t really think he suffered much; it will comfort you to know that.”

Jim Preston, as he was familiarly known, was in training at Ludo College, for the teaching profession, and joined the Army while there. He won two medals and three certificates for swimming and beat the five miles’ Junior College record for running, doing the distance in 32 mins. 30 secs. He was a member of the Askrigg Church Choir and a Sunday School teacher for several years, and right up to his going to College. He was also a pupil teacher at Askrigg Day School and a great favourite with the scholars, as he was with all who knew him. His was a gentle kindly nature and though a soldier’s life appealed not to him, yet loyalty to his country and his high sense of duty triumphed over every other feeling. The greatest sympathy is expressed for the parents, brothers and sister in their great loss. Mr. and Mrs. Preston’s eldest son is also in the Army.

16 November 1917

ASKRIGG – THE LATE PRIVATE PRESTON

A memorial service was held at St. Oswald’s, Askrigg, on Sunday evening in memory of Private James Graham Preston, who died in France from wounds received on the 23rd October, being his 20th birthday. The Vicar, the Rev. F. M. Squibb, in feeling terms referred to the great loss the relatives had sustained. He was near and dear to them all; he had known him from a little boy of eight years – first in the Sunday School and then as a teacher and a member of the choir. The deceased was earnest in whatever he undertook. He would not have dreamt of being a soldier had he not felt it to be his duty. There was a large congregation and appropriate hymns were sung, and sympathy was shown on all sides to the sorrowing relatives. Mr. Haverfield, of Hawes, presided at the organ, and at the close the Dead March in ‘Saul’ was played.

16 November 1917

PRESTON – In sad, but loving and honoured birthday remembrance, of Private James Graham Preston, Askrigg, who died November 2nd 1917, from wounds received in action.

“After the day’s work well and nobly done,
Rest from all the noise and strife of this terrible conflict.”

“No more shall the smile of his countenance brighten
The long weary hours of his friends left behind;
For no one who knew him could ever forget him,
His ways were so loving, so true and kind.”

“Always worthy of everlasting love.”

“A loving brother true and kind,
A beautiful memory left behind.”

Sadly missed by his loving Father, Mother, Isabel, Frank, Jack (serving in Egypt), and his dearest friend Dick.