William enlisted on 13th May 1903. He was 22 years old, and was an Asylum Attendant by trade. On 11th April 1913 he was appointed the rank of Lance Corporal, then on 10th August 1914 he gained promotion to the rank of Corporal. He entered the war in France on 14th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 2nd Bn. South Lancashire Regiment. On 26th November 1914 his rank was downgraded again to that of Private, and on 27th December 1914 he was posted to serve with the 7th Field Ambulance. He was again appointed the rank of Lance Corporal on 29th October 1915 but reverted back to his permanent rank of Private on 4th March 1916. On 29th April 1916 he joined Base Details who transferred him back to England in preparation of the termination of his period of engagement. He was discharged on 16th May 1916.