After successfully passing his military parachute jump qualification at RAF Ringway on Course 94/95 (6 - 20 December 1943), William joined The Parachute Regiment, AAC. His parachute jump instructor described William as "Very keen man, good performer, moral at all times good".

Between 1943 and 1945, he served at 'Home' and North West Europe with 4th Parachute Brigade HQ. He landed on Drop Zone 'Y' on 18 September 1944 during Operation 'Market Garden'. William was then taken Prisoner Of War a week afterwards On the 25 September, William was taken PoW and taken to Stalag XII-A in Limburg an der Lahn, Germany. He was given the PoW number 88745. On 12 October 1944 he was  transferred to Stalag XVIII C "Markt Pongau" in Austria until, then on 28 March 1945, he was sent to a German Labour Camp in Kundl, Austria. William escaped on 16 April 1945, walking to Reutte in Austria in order to meet the advancing US troops on the 6 May 1945.

Later in 1945, William then returned to The Wilshire Regiment. He served at 'Home' and in Germany with the British Army of the Rhine. He was transferred to Army Reserve on 11 December 1950 with Long Service Pension after 22 years service and discharged on 4 August 1953 after 24 years, 236 days service.

Husband of Winifride and devoted father and grandfather.

Written by Douglas Smith (grandson)