Military service
Burial/memorial information
Brother of Private Riley Erwin Prieston, regimental number H-41803, Winnipeg Grenadiers, prisoner of war in Hong Kong, who survived the war, and Private Felix Albert Prieston (enlisted as Preaston), regimental number H-17554, killed in action in Normandy, France, on June 10th, 1944 with the Regina Rifle Regiment.
He enlisted with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and served in Manitoba and Ontario before transferring to the 1st Battalion, Winnipeg Grenadiers on October 21st, 1941 to fight in Hong Kong with "C" Force. He had 190 days of service, including 54 overseas.
To commemorate his sacrifice, the Manitoba government named Prieston Lake located southeast of Swan River near Wellman Lake in his honor in 1973.
Digital gallery of Private William Alfred Prieston
Digital gallery of
Private William Alfred Prieston
Digital gallery of
Private William Alfred Prieston
Digital gallery of
Private William Alfred Prieston
Digital gallery of
Private William Alfred Prieston
Digital gallery of
Private William Alfred Prieston
Digital gallery of
Private William Alfred Prieston
Digital gallery of
Private William Alfred Prieston
Image gallery
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 42 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance.
Request this page
Download this page
SAI WAN MEMORIAL Victoria, Hong Kong
This SAI WAN MEMORIAL honours over 2,000 men of the land forces of the British Commonwealth and Empire who died in the defence of Hong Kong during the Second World War.
The SAI WAN MEMORIAL is in the form of a shelter building 24 metres long and 5.5 metres wide. It stands at the entrance to Sai Wan Bay War Cemetery, outside Victoria, the capital of Hong Kong. From the semi-circular forecourt, two wide openings lead to the interior of the building. The names are inscribed on panels of Portland stone. The dedicatory inscription reads:
1939 - 1945 The officers and men whose memory is honoured here died in the defence of Hong Kong in December 1941 and in the ensuing years of captivity and have no known grave.
The northern side of the Memorial is open and four granite piers support the copper roof. From a commanding position 305 metres above sea level, it looks out over the War Cemetery where some 1,500 men lie buried, and across the water to Mainland China - a magnificent view of sea and mountains.
The Cape Collinson area has many cemeteries. Walking up this narrow one-way traffic road, one will pass the Catholic Cemetery situated on the hillside to the left of the road, and the Hong Kong Military Cemetery on the right. Sai Wan War Cemetery is about half way up Cape Collinson Road and faces the Muslim and Buddhist cemeteries.
One can also get a taxi from Chai Wan Terminus and follow the same route. Alternatively, one can board a public light bus, Route No.16M, which runs from Chai Wan MTR Terminus to Stanley. En route to Stanley the minibus will pass Sai Wan War Cemetery.
For more information, visit Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The Poppy Design is a trademark of The Royal Canadian Legion (Dominion Command) and is used with permission. Click here to learn more about the poppy.
Did we miss something?
Contribute information to this commemorative page
Do you have photographs, information or a correction relating to this individual’s virtual memorial? Learn more about the CVWM and the information we collect.