William was the son of William and Mary E. Cawley, of Glazebrook, Lancashire.

William and his brother Harold lost their father in a tragic accident when they were 11 & 13 respectively (1929). Before the War Bill was a painter and decorator and had just started a partnership with his friend Eric Lane when he was called up. Bill's family have his medals still in the box as his mother was too affected by his death to wish to display them anywhere. It was a double blow for her to lose her husband and a son both in tragic circumstances. Harold was in the army and was informed verbally of his brother's death and allowed to return to his bunk for a short period so he could be alone. He said at that moment he had never felt so alone in his life.