The below biography was written by Patrick Bourke in 2021:
William enlisted in the A.I.F. on 21 March 1916 at the age of 46. He became a trooper and was sent to train at the Veterinary School at Maribyrmong, Victoria. He was recommended for a Parchment Certificate. Whist he was not awarded this military honour it is worth reading the recommendation:
This N.O.C. who is now over the age limit for active service, has been attached to the Battery (107th Battery, 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade) since its formation in Australia in 1916. He has always been devoted to his duty, and has shown the greatest attention to the horses at all times. During the voyage from Australia to England he did valuable service in giving instructions to drivers, as to the care of their horses and has continued this practically ever since. He has prevented the spread of contagious diseases on a number of occasions, and has also by his immediate attention to a large number of wounded horses, saved them even for this Battery. It was largely owing to his skill that the horses of his Battery emerged from the offensive against POLYGON WOOD and PASSCHENDAELE from 11th of September to 12th October in such good condition, after doing the most strenuous work in the Packing of ammunition.
For many years William Smith Junior was the Bodangora Correspondent for the Wellington Times. Currently there are no headstones for William and his parents, [William Smith Senior and Mary Jane Smith], in the Bodangora Cemetery.