George Preston (military officer)
Lieutenant General George Preston was in the British Army for 61 years and led the Royal Scots Greys.Family
He was the son of William Preston and Mary Ramsey of Gorton. Preston married Lucy, oldest daughter of James Johnston. His son Sir Robert Preston, grandson Sir Robert Preston and other grandson Sir Henry Preston were Preston baronets.Career
In 1739, Preston became a cornet. In a duel on 30 November 1743 at Ghent, Lieut. Preston killed his Cornet Alexander Hepburn.
During the War of the Austrian Succession, Preston fought in the Battle of Dettingen, Battle of Fontenoy, Battle of Roucoux, and the Battle of Val, where he was wounded.
During the Seven Years' War, Preston also fought in the Battle of Minden, Battle of Warburg , Battle of Kirch Denkern, Battle of Wilhelmsthal.
He was wounded in the British victory at the gates of Zierenberg.
He obtained the Lieut. Colonelcy of the regiment on 25 February 1757.
He took over from John Hale and obtained colonelcy of the 17th Light Dragoons on 2 November 1770. He became major general in 1772, and Lieut. General in 1777.. He fought in the Battle of Long Island.
He became Col of the Royal Scots Greys between 18 Apr 1782 - 3 Feb 1785.
He died in Bath and his tomb is at All Saints' Church, Weston, Bath.
