Buuxi weedha soo socota: William wuxuu wax ku bartay George Watson's College wuxuuna galay Royal Military Academy, Woolwich waxaana loo magacaabay taliye labaad oo ka tirsan Royal Artillery ee Ciidanka Ingiriiska bishii Janaayo 1913. Wuxuu ka soo shaqeeyay Dagaalkii Koowaad ee Adduunka, isagoo ku guuleystey Abaalmarinta Adeegga Abaalmarinta (DSO)
Dagaalkii Le Cateau sanadkii 1914 iyo kadibna Military Cross waxaana lagu xusay warqadaha afar jeer dagaalka oo dhan.