#3991, Reginald Anselm PREESTON

Reginald joined the Army at the age of 19. Initially he served with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. After recovering from being wounded in action in May 1916 he decided to apply to join the RFC. Lt Preeston was sent for pilot training in March 1917 and returned in April to 46 Sqn, by then, flying Sopwith Pups as a fighter squadron. While with 46 Sqn, he met Maj (JB) Graham who was forming a new squadron to specialise in ground attack work. Reginald was offered and accepted, the opportunity to join this new squadron, initially No 36 RS, but later No 80. He served with No 80 Squadron flying Camels until the end of August 1918 when he transferred to a special unit attached to the French Air Service. While with No 80 Sqn he was promoted to Flight Commander of C Flight and claimed three victories. He had a couple of near escapes with engine failure leading to crashes. No 80 Sqn operated twice in support of the French Army as part of RAF IX Brigade and Preeston was one of the two No 80 Sqn officers awarded the Croix de Guerre. Later he received a palm to his Croix de Guerre for his service with the French and was decorated personally by Marshal Petain. Happily Captain Preeston survived the war.