William entered the war in France on 14th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 1st Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment. He was serving with the 5th Field Ambulance when he died. He was the son of John and Mary Gardner of Peckham, London; and the husband of Annie Gardner of 2 Britannia Road, Warley, Brentwood, Essex.