William Theodore Thompson was born in Melbourne, Victoria, was single and an Electrical engineer when he enlisted with the 38th Battalion, A Company as a Sergeant on 8 March 1916 at the age of 19. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 June 1916. His official service records show he spent a day in hospital; due to sea sickness in June 1916 and later proceeded overseas to France in November 1916. On 6 January 1917 he was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

Twelve days later, on te night if 17/18 January 1917, 2nd Lt Thompson was killed in action by machine gun fire. The report goes on to list that his body was buried in Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France.
Tree No. 3819