Tributes paid to 'utterly professional, enthusiastic, loyal, dedicated and committed' soldier

Major Morrison told mourners that from childhood, William had one ambition - to be a soldier.

“On 11 September 1984, at the age of 16, he enlisted into the Army and commenced his training in St. Patrick’s Barracks, Ballymena, as a junior soldier.

“After completing his training he joined C Company 2nd Battalion the Royal Irish Rangers and for the next ten years conducted major training exercises and operations throughout many theatres.

“From the outset, William displayed excellent leadership skills and the potential for promotion and during his career in the RIR he reached the rank of Corporal .”

in 1994 William was posted to C Company 3rd Battalion the RIR based in Rathfriland, as section commander and conducted operations in the South Down area.

He then progressed to Platoon Sergeant and was posted to G Company in Portadown. Mourners were told, “From the outset, he led by example. His hard work and enthusiasm, combined with his drive and initiative, ensured that the terrorist did not have the freedom of movement to conduct terrorist acts.”

Following his tour of duty as Platoon Sergeant, William moved back to C Company, in Rathfriland, as Watchkeeper.

Sometime later when the Buzzard post became vacant at Bessbrook Mill, William was identified and he readily volunteered for the challenging role.

Major Morrison said, “At the time, the heliport in Bessbrook was the busiest in Europe, and with William’s skill in methodical detailed planning, always ensured stores were delivered to the observation posts on time, and patrols were inserted or extracted in the right place at the right time, minimising the risk of terrorist attacks.”

Finally William, completed his service on 21 March 2007, following almost 23 years of loyal and distinguished service to Queen and Country.