William Francis Silver was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Farm Labourer when he enlisted with the 59th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement on 23 April 1917 at the age of 19. His unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A16 Port Melbourne on 16 July 1917. He was admitted to the 1st Western General Hospital for measles on 16 September 1917 and later proceeded overseas to France on 8 January 1918. In late March / early April 1918 he was wounded in action, suffering a gunshot wound and abrasions to the face. He was admitted to the 56th General Hospital before being transferred to England, where the damage was noted as 'severe'. Despite this, he was able to re-join his unit from wounded on 15 June 1918. However, less than a week later he was re-admitted suffering from shell shock, re-joining his unit in August 1918.

On 21 August 191, whilst in France, he was wounded a third time and transferred to England for 'shell concussion'. This would mark the end of his military career; he sailed home to Australia on 19 September 1918.
Tree No. 1034