Ku sii qor faqradan - William wuxuu wax ka bartay George Watson's College wuxuuna galay Royal Military Academy, Woolwich waxaana loo magacaabay taliye labaad ee British Army's Royal Artillery bishii Janaayo 1913. Wuxuu ka soo shaqeeyay Dagaalkii Koowaad ee Adduunka, isagoo ku guuleystey Abaalmarinta Adeegga Gaarka ah (DSO) Dagaalkii Le Cateau
waxaa la gudoonsiiyay abaalmarinta Military Cross sanadkii 1914 kadibna waxaa lagu xusay afar jeer fariimaha dagaalka oo dhan