William joined the R.A.M.C. on 17th August 1886 at Aldershot, aged 18 years and 9 months, originally enlisting for seven years service and five years reserve service although this was extended at various times throughout his army career. Generally he served at the R.A.M.C. depot but he did two tours overseas in Egypt (13th July 1889 to 6th June 1894) and in South Africa during the Boer War at No 4 General Hospital (15th November 1899 to 29th May 1903). On 30th June 1908 he was posted to the 2nd Wessex Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., Territorial Force. When war was declared he was reposted to the R.A.M.C. Regulars and served at the Royal Victoria Military Hospital, Netley from on 5th November 1914. He was discharged no longer physically fit for war service on 11th April 1916 having served a total of 29 years 242 days. He died at Southwark, London. William was the son of Albert and Margaret Ward and the husband of Marie Ward. (Information researched and kindly provided by Chris Ludlam)