William Preston was born in Eastbourne Sussex in 1893. After working their passage to Australia in 1913, he and his mate Thomas Shoesmith enlisted in the AIF early in the war. Both men played in the first recorded game in Mirboo North in 1914.
While they embarked separately, both had left for Egypt before Christmas and met up in time for the Gallipoli offensive. Shoesmith was extremely fortunate in battle, surviving when those around him were falling.
Preston was not so lucky. Wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the abdomen, he was buried at sea on 18 July 1915. Some discrepancy exists between the AIF records and the Gippslander and Mirboo Times which claimed on 16 March 1916,
Will Preston (of Mirboo North,) was killed alongside of [Shoesmith], the top of his head being blown off by an explosive bullet. The loss of his comrade was naturally greatly felt, as they were like brothers. He had a look at the late Dave Mills’ grave, which has a cross on it. A note has been left, asking the Turks not to interfere with the graves. He says the Turks are clean fighters.