William was educated in Liverpool, and became a Cabinet Maker (Joiner). He enlisted into the R.A.M.C. on 28th August 1914. He was 26 years and 16 days old at the time. On 20th July 1915, he embarked at Southampton, then disembarking at Havre the next day, entered the war in France on 21st July 1915. On 4th May 1916, he was appointed acting Lance Corporal with pay, then to acting Corporal on 2nd September 1917. On 30th November, he received a gun shot wound to his right knee at the Battle of Cambrai, and was evacuated to a Casualty Clearing Station, where he stayed until 5th December. He was then evacuated back to No 26 General Hospital in Etaples. He died at 6.20 a.m. on the morning of the 15th from his wounds. His Commanding Officer, Lt/Col Osburn wrote to his family: “Corpl. Hedley had won my esteem, and been a pattern to all those about him of courage, sobriety and cheerful hard work, and all the officers and the 240 N.C.O.’s and men join with me in their sympathy to you and sorrow for a brave comrade, whom they liked and respected. Your son thought little of his own safety, and might have escaped being wounded, but would not leave when orders to evacuate the dressing station were given.” William was the third son of Felix Creswell (a Spice Merchant) and Mary (daughter of William Airery of Liverpool) of 74 Queen’s Road, Everton, Liverpool. He was also the brother of Private Rowland Hedley