Private William Alderson Turley volunteered for service with 1st Battalion 48th Highlanders (CASF) and sailed with the Battalion to UK on the Reina del Pacifico in December 1939. While in UK he was transferred to 4 PLDG and eventually promoted to sergeant. He was selected for officer training and attended RMA Sandhurst. Graduating at the top of his platoon he was awarded the Honour Belt by the reviewing officer Lord Louis Mountbatten. He returned to 4 PLDG and went to Italy with them.

He was killed on 6 Oct 43 near Benvento when his troop was ambushed. He and seven of his troopers died in the action.