William John Stevenson was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was married to Mrs. Dora Stevenson of Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Victoria and was a Signwriter when he enlisted with the 5th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement on 4 September 1915 at the age of 31. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 28 January 1916. During 1916 he was transferred between several battalions, eventually finding a home with the HQs Depots in the UK. In March/April 1917 he found himself in trouble, having been found guilty of knowingly accepting a pair of breeches reported stolen from another soldier. The majority of his sentence was remitted and he suffered forfeiture of 113 days' pay. He re-joined his unit in August 1917. A month later he was wounded in action with a severe gunshot wound to the right leg.

On 27 September 1918 he died of wounds received in the field. He is buried at La Chapelette British Cemetery (Plot I, Row H, Grave No. II), Peronne, France.
Tree No. 2893