William enlisted on 31st May 1915. He was 21 years old, and a Medical Attendant by trade. He entered the war in France on 11th August 1915. On 12th February 1916, he became ill whilst serving at the Marne, due to the result of exposure to cold and wet condition. By the 25th April he had developed Haemoptysis, From 6th May to 7th June 1916 he was a patient in Wharncliffe War Hospital, Sheffield, suffering from tubercular of lung. He was discharged 'no longer physically fit for war service'.