Born 27th June 1912, William was the son of George and Marjorie Elms of Corsham. In 1939, he was living in Potley Lane, Corsham and employed as a fitters labourer (plumbing).
In 1940, William married Lillian Gardner of Corsham.
He died on 22nd September 1946 in Salisbury. He was 34 years old.