William received his medical training at University College, London, qualifying M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. in 1900. On 29th November 1900 he gained a commission in the Medical Services at the rank of Lieutenant. The following year, 1901, he saw active service in South Africa, serving there until 1903, he received the Queen’s South African Medal & 5 clasps. On 29th November 1903 he was promoted to the rank of Captain. He served in India from 1903 to 1909, and in 1910 became a specialist in operative surgery. On 29th May 1912 he gained further promotion to the rank of Major. When war broke out William was stationed in Tidworth. From there, on 5th August 1914, he formed No 2 Stationary Hospital, becoming the Commanding Officer. He was, at the time, granted the rank of temporary Lieutenant Colonel. Later in the war he also served with a General Hospital. On 31st January 1918, he received promotion at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On 3rd June 1918 he was awarded the Companion Order of St Michael and St George, and from 1918 to 1919 he also became Assistant Director of Medical Services to a Division, serving under the rank of Acting Colonel from 29th December 1918 to 12th March 1919. On 18th March 1919 - 22nd July 1923 he was stationed in Malta. During this time, on 21st July 1919, he was awarded the Portuguese Military Order of Avis, 3rd Class. From 1928 to 1930 he was stationed in India, during which time, on 13th October 1929, he gained promotion to the rank of Colonel. He was invalided from India back to the UK, and on 11th March 1932 was put on half pay due to ill health. He retired from the army, due to ill health, on 21st May 1932.