William enlisted on 24th October 1906. He was 18 years and 8 months old, and was a boot and legging maker by trade. On 31st October 1908 he was granted extended service to seven years with the Colours, being transferred to Army reserve on 23rd October 1913. He was mobilized on the outbreak of war, entering the war in France on 18th August 1914. Two days later he was granted promotion to the rank of Corporal, but from 27th November 1914 began to serve under the rank of acting Serjeant. William became unwell (PUO) on 25th October 1916 and admitted into his unit. The next day he was evacuated back to No 3 General Hospital, Le Treport, then on 5th November was sent back to the UK, and onto the 2nd Southern General Hospital in Bristol, arriving on the 13th. From there he was sent to convalesce in Eastbourne. His rank was reverted back to the permanent rank of Corporal on being evacuated sick. His sickness was later diagnosed as Trench Fever. On 1st January 1918, whilst serving with No 6 Coy in Cosham, William was appointed the rank of acting Serjeant again. He received promotion to the permanent rank of Serjeant on 22nd July 1918. On 23rd October 1919 he was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve. He was the husband of Gertrude Parker, married at the Parish Church, Gloucester on 15th April 1916.