Member of Ballykine LOL 659. Employed by Weir & Co Dromore Street Ballynahinch. Prior to enlisting in the Highland Light Infantry, William was on the 3rd Special Reserve Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. In October 1913 he left Ballynahinch for Ambala, India. On the outbreak of war he left India for Egypt, where he was stationed for 2 months, landing in France early December 1914. His 2 Brothers Robert and Lawson also served. in the Autumn of 1911, William rescued a child from drowning in the Ballynahinch River.