William was born in Wolverhampton in 1878, the son of William and Rose Zillah Spooner. In 1891, they were living at 67 Muchall Grove, Penn, Wolverhampton, along with William’s siblings Ellen M., Edwin A. and Ernest G.

William enlisted in the 173 Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery (service number L/26051), becoming a Driver.  He first served in France from 27 November 1915. He was wounded, and died on 28 October 1918. He is buried at the Moorseele Military Cemetery in Belgium, and his great great niece has remembered him here.