William was born in Moore in 1894. His parents were George and Elizabeth. George was a stationary engine driver for the L&NW Railway Company. He had six siblings, Ernest b1877, George b1880, Elizabeth b1882, Richard b1884, Edith b1885 and Thomas b1891. The family initially lived in Walton, but by the time William was born, they had moved into one of the Station Cottages on Runcorn Road, Moore.
In 1911, William was a telegraph messenger with the L&NW Railway Company, but by the time he enlisted, he was a blockman, which meant that he controlled trains on single track working, probably using a system of flags.
William joined the Royal Engineers – Railway and Canal Troops section. His service number was 210569. On enlistment, his height was given as 5’ 9” and weight 135 lbs. His military records are difficult to read, so no more is known of his war service.
After the war, William returned to Moore and in 1920, he married Hilda Rowlands. They had one son, John R Gandy, who was born in 1921.
In 1939, William and Hilda were living at 31 Ellesmere Road, Runcorn. William was a travelling railway contractor.
William’s death is recorded in Crewe in 1961. He was 67 years old.