Notes
All extra details sourced from Sefton War Memorials (see References). William was awarded the Military Cross for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty”. The regimental war diary gives the date of the award as March 21, 1917. Sefton War Memorials also states: 'The citation in the London Gazette of April 27, 1917 described the circumstances: ‘‘He showed great initiative in organising parties of bombers and patrols, and succeeded in securing many strong positions. He set a splendid example throughout the operations”. Just days after this citation, William was reported as missing in action in the Liverpool Echo of 17th May. It emerged that he had been killed during the Battle for Oppy Wood.
He was initially buried on the Sunken Road at Bailleul-Sir-Berthoult, near Arras, later being re-interred at Orchard Dump Cemetery.'