Lance Corporal Derek Preston

06 May 1927 - 25 Oct 1947

Derek Preston, the son of William and Ethel Mary Preston, Bingley, Yorkshire, enlisted into the General Service Corps and volunteered for airborne forces in 1945.

Pte Preston undertook parachute training course B184 from 9 November to 26 December 1945 at RAF Ringway. The course report states: ‘Good, cheerful and confident. Very good stick leader.’ Private Preston went to the Holding Battalion and was later posted to the 2nd Parachute Battalion.

L/Cpl Preston died aged 20 years in Palestine on 25 October 1947 when the lorry he was travelling in collided with another military vehicle. He is now buried in Khayat Beach War Cemetery, Israel.

NB Pte Woodward who died in the same accident was also on course B184.

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Service History

Operations

Derek Preston

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  • Mourners at the funeral of 2nd Parachute Battalion members, Khayat Beach War Cemetery, 1947.
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    Mourners at the funeral of 2nd Parachute Battalion members, Khayat Beach War Cemetery, 1947.

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  • Funeral for members of the 2nd Parachute Battalion, who died 25/26 October 1947, Khayat Beach War Cemetery.
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    Funeral for members of the 2nd Parachute Battalion, who died 25/26 October 1947, Khayat Beach War Cemetery.

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  • Funeral for members of 2nd Parachute Battalion, who died 25/26 October 1947, Khayat Beach War Cemetery.
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    Funeral for members of 2nd Parachute Battalion, who died 25/26 October 1947, Khayat Beach War Cemetery.

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Latest Comments

Natalie Fairlie said:
So young, such a waste of young lives, when they were out in Palestine to help with the situation. Reassuring that my uncle was buried and is still with, his good friends and comrades.
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