William enlisted on 29th August 1908. He was 19 years and 9 months old; was a Porter by trade and was living in Hackney at the time. On 29th August 1911 he was transferred to Army Reserve, but was mobilized on the outbreak of war. He entered the war in France on 18th August 1914. He was appointed acting Corporal, with pay, on 24th August 1917, and promoted to Corporal on 8th July 1918. He was discharged from the Army on 8th April 1919, with a disability pension due to Neurasthenia. He was the son of James and Elizabeth of South Hackney; and the husband of Matilda.