William qualified L.R.C.P.& S.I. in 1897, then practiced in Durham. He joined the South African war in 1900, serving as a civil surgeon, before taking up a commission, at the rank of Lieutenant, in the R.A.M.C. on 14th November 1900. He returned to the UK in 1901 (invalided). From 1902-1903, he served in India, then from 1903-1904, served in Somaliland, returning to India in 1904 and remained there until 1907. During this time he gained promotion to Captain on 14th November 1903. In 1909, he became a specialist in Midwifery and served in Jamaica from 1909-1913, during which time he gained promotion to Major on 14th August 1912. William was stationed in Chatham when war broke out. He embarked for France with the headquarters of divisional formations, as Medical Officer for No 1 Base, Havre, where he remained until he was invalided back to the UK. He was put on half pay due to ill-health on 26 July 1917, then retired on pay due to ill-health on 5th October 1919. He was taken off the Roll of Officers on 20 December 1922. William died at Frimley, Surrey.