William was born in 1894 in Bethnal Green, the son of Joseph, a Coffee House Keeper, and Eliza Elizabeth (nee Young). He married Alice Victoria Forrest on 7 Jun 1915 in Bethnal Green.

Pension records
Enlisted - 10 Dec 1915 - 2/25th London Regt. T.F. No. 4188, later 741888.
Address - 364 Bethnal Green Rd, Bethnal Green.
Occupation - Waiter
Age - 21yrs
Wife - Alice Victoria Liggins (nee Forrest), 99 Bishop's Rd, Victoria Park, NE
Children - Constance Marjorie born 9 Jul 1916 Hackney
Service - Home 10 Dec 1915. Mobilised home service from 31 Jul 1916 - 2 Oct 1917 Saxmundham
Discharged as medically unfit - Chelsea No. - 165004