Regimental Number: 101108
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion
William was born in Greenock, Scotland on February 24, 1892. At the time of his enlistment in July of 1915, William was living Grande Prairie; his homestead was located at 4-74-4-W6. While on his way to North Bay with his regiment in May of 1916, William left the train and the army assumed he had deserted. However, in June it was discovered that he was in hospital in Toronto because of the ulceration of the stump of his amputated right foot. Both feet had been amputated because of frostbite and artificial feet were being made. William was discharged from the army in September of 1917. His service file gives the following account of these events:
“While with Battalion on Train and in passing from one coach to another he slipped off step and fell into lake and swam ashore. He was unable to find shelter and was exposed to frostbite. He was operated on at Haileybury Hospital and had both feet amputated at mid tarsal joint. He has been supplied with artificial apparatus which is satisfactory.”
Sources: Along the Wapiti, p. 411