William had previously been a member of the Militia, 3rd Bn. Welsh Regiment and was a painter and glazier at time of signing up. He became a regular member of the Medical Staff Corps on the 29th May 1893 when he signed up for 'Short Service'. It is possible that William was serving at Woolwich in 1898 (Daughter born at this location - Source 1901 Census) and that he was serving as a Corporal in the Bury St Edmunds area in 1901 - (Source 1901 Census). William entered the war in France on 19th August 1914 with the 2nd Field Ambulance but transferred to the 3rd Field Ambulance in October 1914 when he was promoted to Serjeant Major. He remained with the 3rd Field Ambulance through to January 1916 after which he was posted to a General Hospital at Camiers. He gained a commission of Lieutenant and Quartermaster on 28th May 1916 and returned to the UK early June 16, in that same month he went to serve in Salonika (Unit unknown). By early 1917 he was back serving in Aldershot. He was promoted to Captain & Quartermaster in May 1919. William was the husband of Ellen Merchant of 79 Tierney Rd, Streatham Hill, Brixton, London. [Information kindly provided by family]