William lived at 42 Montomery Street, Edinburgh. He entered the war in France on 17th August 1914. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal "For conspicuous gallantry and ability on the 13th May 1915, at Ypres, as Orderly to a Medical Officer. He was indefatigable in attending to the wounded. In the heaviest fire he always went out to anyone reported wounded, and when the Doctor was killed opposite a wide breach in the trench, he at once went out and removed the body. Single-handed he arranged, later on, for the removal of all the wounded during the night, and gave a splendid example of devotion to duty." A Newspaper article reads "Cpl William Steedman, attached 9th Lancers, Son of Mrs Borthwick, 2a Greenside Place has been awarded the DCM. He is 21 years of age, and has been three years in the Army. He was educated at London Street School, and was formally employed by Messrs Richie, Confectioners, East Broughton. Cpl Steedman was with Lt Lunan RAMC, an Edinburgh man, who was killed in action near Ypres, when on an errand of mercy. Steedman acted as his dresser and bringing back the body for burial. [Source: Edinburgh Evening News. Special thanks to John Duncan]