William first served throughout the 2nd Boer War and was awarded the Queen's South African Medal with four bars (South Africa 1901, Transvaal, Orange Free State & Cape Colony). Books in his book cupboard suggested that he had doubts about many aspects of the Boer War that he wanted to explore. The collection includes those written by English and Boer authors. When he returned he moved to St Dogmaels in West Wales and worked as a Master Baker and Pearl Insurance Agent. He married Rose Elizabeth Naish who travelled down from the West Country for their wedding. They had three children Frederick, Gladys and Dorothy (Dolly). When war broke out William was the first in the village to enlist and entered the war in France on the 6th December 1915. During the length of the war William carried a photograph of his wife with him, on the back of the photograph was a poem he had written "Dreams just dreams of long ago. Dreams of days that we both know. Time can never change the past. You’re mine, in dreams until the last. Summers gone and life grows cold. Still, in dreams you’re mine of old. Hearts may break but you can’t take. Those Golden dreams of long ago. (W N C, St Dogmaels, Nr Cardigan , S. Wales.). William was greatly respected by his neighbours, many of whom would come to him when ill rather than go to the doctor. He was described as a peaceful, talented, kind and generous man with a wicked sense of humour. William served through to the end of WW1, but contracted TB and returned to convalesce at Long Shore Lodge. He eventually died of the disease in 1929. [Information kindly provided by William's Granddaughter, Pam]