William was born in July 1896 at Woodhall Spa. His father Robert was a police sergeant and the family moved frequently. His mother was Araminta Kate and he had an older sister, Lucy and two brothers Robert aged 17 in 1911 and Leslie aged 5. Lucy aged 19 was not at home.

The family were living at 24 Bentley Street, a larger house than most as it had 6 rooms. William was working as an office boy, no military records were found. He may have married Audrey Drake in 1936 in Stamford.