William enlisted on 29th October 1906. He was 21 years and 7 months old, and was a Labourer by trade. He entered the war in France on 19th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 39th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. On 3rd November 1916 he was appointed the rank of acting Serjeant. He was discharged "surplus to Miliary requirement, having suffered impairment" on 8th March 1919. He was the son of Thomas and Bridgett Cannon of 60 Copley Street, Haley Hill, Halifax.