William enlisted on 20th February 1913. He was 17 years and 7 months old at the time. He entered the war in France on 17th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 1st Howitzer Brigade. Royal Field Artillery. On 26th January 1915 he transferred to serve with the 45th Bde, R.F.A., and whilst there was appointed acting Corporal from 1st December 1915 to 26th February 1916. On 26th May 1916 he transferred to serve with the 1st Divisional Ammunition Column, and was again appointed acting Corporal from the 29th. On 21st February 1918 he transferred to serve with No 2 Field Ambulance. On 6th May 1918 he was admitted into No 23 Casualty Clearing Station suffering with acute Bronchitis. He was evacuated to St John's Ambulance Brigade Hospital, Etaples, via No 12 Ambulance Train, on the 8th. Whilst being treated there, on 31st May 1918, the hospital was bombed during an enemy air raid, which resulted in Edward receiving wounds to his thigh and arm, as well as experiencing severe concussion to his face. He was transferred to No 22 General Hospital at Camiers, arriving the following day. On 4th June 1918 he was evacuated back to the UK, and was admitted into the Leicester Military Hospital. After recovering he was posted to Blackpool. On 20th January 1919 he was again appointed acting Corporal, however 9 days later, on the 29th, he was finally promoted to the rank of Corporal. He was transferred to Section 'B' Army Reserve on 18th April 1919. He was the son of James and Ellen Hickey of Bradford.