William was killed by a fragment of steel from a trench mortar. 

Teesdale Mercury-28/02/1917: In memoriam

Teesdale Mercury-22/03/1916: Letters of Sympathy

Teesdale Mercury-15/03/1916: Return Thanks Notices

Teesdale Mercury-08/03/1916: News Item: Killed in Action

William played an important role in Barnard Castle life; he was secretary of the Co-operative Society. He was also a Lay Reader of the church and secretary of its Youth Guild. At an earlier point he had played an important role in the daily running of the Bowes Museum.

In a letter to William's stepmother, Captain T Bernard Heslop writes about how he 'showed a splendid spirit of self- sacrifice' during the time he served in Flanders.  

Teesdale Mercury-03/02/1915: Local and other notes: special service

Teesdale Mercury-12/05/1915: Local and other notes: In charge of platoon

Teesdale Mercury-09/06/1915: Local and other notes: Letter home

Teesdale Mercury-16/02/1916: Local and other notes: Home on leave

Teesdale Mercury-15/03/1916: Roll of Honour Notice