MILITARY HISTORY

Private Alexander Victor Preston — 645464 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War I)

Alexander Victor Preston was 39 years and 8 months old when, as a married man, he was Attested in the Canadian Army (CA), Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) and was enlisted on January 18, 1916 the 158th (Overseas) Battalion (Bn), CEF for the duration of the War. Alexander Victor was born in Smith Township, Ontario on May 18, 1876. He was 5′ 5″ tall, weight was not given, blue eyes, dark brown hair and had a 35″ chest (expanded). Alexander Victor gave his occupation as a Farmer and his next-of-kin was his wife Mrs. Preston, living at 357 Slocan St. South, Vancouver, BC; he indicated that he had no Active Militia nor previous Military experience. Alexander Victor’s Medical Examination was done in Vancouver, BC on January 18, 1916, he was found fit for duty. On January 18, 1916 he was assigned the Rank of Private (Pte); given Regimental Number 645464 and taken-on-strength to The Duke of Connaught’s Own 158th (Overseas) Battalion (Bn).

April 1, 1916 a Separation Allowance of $20.00 monthly was instituted (was raised to $25.00) by Alexander Victor to his wife Mrs. Jean Preston. On September 30, 1916 Pte Preston indicated that he had Insurance with the Confederation Life Insurance Company and the premiums were being paid. November 1, 1916 he made a $15.00 monthly Pay Assignment to his wife Mrs. Jean Preston. November 14, 1916 he embarked the SS Olympic at Halifax, Nova Scotia and on November 26, 1916 Pte Preston disembarked the SS Olympic at England.

On November 30, 1916 Pte Preston was admitted to the 2nd Eastern General Hospital at Brighton, England an ear with inflammation. On January 6, 1917 he was struck-off-strength from the 158th Bn on transfer to the 1st Canadian Reserve Battalion (Cdn Res Bn) at Upper Debgat Camp at Shorncliffe, England. January 7, 1917 Pte Preston was taken-on-strength to the 1st Canadian Reserve Battalion (Cdn Res Bn) at Shorncliffe. March 6, 1918 Pte Preston indicated that there was a Will with the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Vancouver BC. Then, after 21 days in Hospital, on December 21, 1916 he was discharged to the 1st Cdn Res Bn. On March 21, 1917 Pte Preston was struck-off-strength from the 1st Cdn Res Bn to the 7th Bn, CEF on proceeding Overseas, at Seaford, England and was assigned to the Canadian Base Depot. On March 22, 1917 Pte Preston was taken-on-strength to the 7th Bn in the Field (France) and on March 28, 1917 he joined the 7th Bn in the Field. On September 18, 1917 Pte Preston was transferred to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp (CCRC) a centre in France where troops were held before being sent to reinforce existing Units. November 22, 1917 Pte Preston joined his Unit, then January 8, 1918 he was granted 14 days Leave; January 22, 1918 he returned from Leave.
February 9, 1918Pte Preston was moved to No 9 GH at Rouen, France with Influenza. February 16, 1918 he was again moved to No 2 GH at Trouville.

On May 8, 1918 Pte Preston is attached to the 2nd Brigade Headquarters (Bde HQ). May 24, 1918 he rejoined the CCRC. July 18, 1918 he was admitted to the No 14 Canadian Field Ambulance (CFA) in the Field. He was then moved to the No 1 CFA and was discharged to duty July 21, 1918 from the No 14 CFA and joined the CCRC on July 26, 1918. On December 3, 1918 Pte Preston was admitted to Hospital, sick. December 4, 1918 he was seen at the No 3 CFA and admitted to the No 19 Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) with Influenza. A Casualty Clearing Station is the first medical unit (after the Aid Post) for wounded soldiers evacuated from the Front Lines. December 5, 1918 Pte Preston is admitted to the No 4 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station (CCCS). December 8, 1918 he was admitted to the No 16 CFA from the No 19 CCS. December 12, 1918 he was admitted to the No 9 General Hospital (GH) from the No 9 CFA. On December 16, 1918 Pte Preston was admitted to No 72 GH at Trouville, France.

On January 4, 1919 Pte Preston was admitted to the No 14 Convalescent Department with Influenza, at Trouville; discharged January 22, 1919 and then to the No 72 GH. January 25, 1919 he arrived at the Canadian General Base Depot (CGBD). January 30, 1919 he was transferred to England and posted to the British Columbia Regimental Depot (BCRD) at Seaford. The British Columbia Regimental Depot is a facility in England used to assemble men and to store and administer equipment and materials. February 11, 1919 Pte Preston is taken-on-strength to the BCRD at Seaford and struck-off-strength on posting to the 1st Cdn Res Bn. April 2, 1919 he is struck-off-strength from the 1st Cdn Res Bn to MD 2 Wing at Seaford. April 16, 1919 Pte Preston is struck-off-strength for return to Canada from the Kinmel Park Camp at Rhyl, England and taken-on-strength to No 2 District Depot (DD) at Toronto, Ontario.

April 16, 1919 Pte Preston embarked the SS Belgic at Liverpool, England and disembarked at Halifax, NS on April 23, 1919. April 26, 1919 Pte Preston is discharged (from the SS Belgic) and No 2 DD, Toronto Ontario on demobilization and return to civil life.

There is no mention in Private Alexander Victor Preston’s File with regards to what Military Medals he was eligible to receive or was awarded. Based on his Military Service, he was awarded the:
British War Medal; and
Victory Medal.
He would have also received the CEF Class “A” War Service Badge.

Alexander Victor Preston died before his medals and awards were dispatched, hence his Plaque and Scroll were sent to his Widow, Mrs. Jean Preston, 919 Robson St., Vancouver BC. A Memorial Cross was also sent to his Widow and his Mother, Mrs. Margaret Jane Preston, Lakefield Ontario. The Medals were sent January 18, 1927; the Scroll January June 1, 1927 and the Plaque January 25, 1928.

Private Alexander Victor Preston served for: 10 months in Canada; 6 months, 10 days in the United Kingdom; 2 years 10 months, 9 days in France and 20 days Travel Time for a total time of 3 years, 3 months and 8 days.

An excerpt from an article in McLean’s magazine by Barbara Amiel, September 1996:

The military is the single calling in the world with job specifications that include a commitment to die for your nation. What could be more honorable?

PERSONAL HISTORY

ALEXANDER VICTOR PRESTON

Alexander Victor Preston was born in Smith Township on May 18, 1876, the son of Gavin “Gow” Preston and Margaret Jane Preston. He received is schooling at S.S. #7 Smith schoolhouse and helped on the family farm. By 1916 Alexander had left the farm and had married Jean Turnbull, daughter of Thomas Turnbull and Christina Hogarth. They were living at 357 Slocan Street, Vancouver, B.C.

In January 1916, Alexander enlisted to serve his King and Country. Alexander returned home to Vancouver, after the War, and shortly thereafter Alexander passed away on December 19, 1923 at 47 years of age and is buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver, B.C. His death is attributed to Military Service. Jean died in Vancouver on September 15, 1951.

Alexander Victor Preston was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and is included on a Memorial Plaque that hung in Knox Presbyterian Church which remembers with honour their members who served in the Armed Forces during World War I.  This plaque was later moved to the Sanctuary of Lakefield United Church on Regent Street in 1932 after the two churches merged to form Lakefield United Church.

THE ALEXANDER VICTOR PRESTON FAMILY OF SMITH TOWNSHIP

Alexander Victor Preston’s maternal grandparents were George and Helen Preston. His paternal grandparents were William and Margaret Preston.

Alexander Victor Preston’s parents were Gavin “Gow” Preston born in Smith Township on April 30, 1848 and Margaret Jane Preston born on July 26, 1849. They were married in Smith Township on December 8, 1874 and lived on a farm on the 12th Concession of Smith Township. Margaret and Gavin had three children: Alexander Victor, born May 18, 1876; Walter, born March 4, 1878 and Levina “Vina” Preston, born October 10, 1884. Margaret passed away on December 29, 1939 just twenty days after celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Gavin died on September 29, 1942; both are buried in Lakefield Cemetery.