William Turner was born in Bendigo, Victoria, was single and a Labourer when he enlisted with the 7th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement on 22 September 1915 at the age of 22. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 1 April 1916. On 25 May 1916 he was reallocated from the 2nd Training Battalion to the 15th Training Battalion as reinforcements to the 59th Battalion and eventually to the 60th Battalion. In June 1917 he was briefly attached with the Anti-Aircraft guard. In September 1917 he was promoted to Temporary Corporal before being wounded in action the following month. In 1918 he was admitted to hospital suffering from bronchitis and was eventually transferred to AIF Depot. On 29 May 1918 he was awarded the Military medal for outstanding service in the field.

While overseas William married Lilian Bessie Draper of Salisbury on 27 August 1919. He returned to Australia per the Wahene on 31 August 1920 with his wife and child.
Tree No. 2617