William enlisted on 15th May 1906. He was 18 years and 5 months old; was a groom by trade; and was living in Chichester, Sussex at the time. He joined at Aldershot on 21st May. On 18th November 1908 he took up extended service to 7 years with the Colours, then was transferred to Army Reserve on 14th May 1913. On the outbreak of war he was re-engaged and was mobilized on 5th August 1914. He joined the 2nd Field Ambulance the following day, entering the war in France, with them, on 19th August 1914. After the war, on 17th April 1920, he was transferred to Army Reserve but reapplied for service on 21st March 1921 - by now he was living in Brecon. William was the son of Arthur Boxall of 84 The Warren, West Dean, Nr Chichester; and the husband of Edith Maud Boxall, nee Adams.