William Albert Woolley, a Clerk from Highbury, Islington, enlisted into the Royal Artillery 1 May 1939. Although only 17 he lied about his age to appear 18. He deployed for overseas service in Gibraltar on 15 September 1941. On 30 May 1943 he was granted the war substantive rank of Sergeant whilst in the 40th Coastal Battery RA at Gibraltar.

Sergeant Woolley RA volunteered for the commandos in July, reverting at his own request to the rank of Gunner, and was attached to No.2 Commando on 17 July 1943. He served in 3 Troop of No.2 Commando at Sicily, Italy and the Dalmation Islands.

Gunner Woolley remained with No.2 Commando until 5 October 1944 when he was posted to the Royal Artillery before transferring to the London Irish Rifles on 4 December 1944. Medically downgraded to B1 7 February 1945. Released from military service 7 May 1946. During his service he had both big toes injured by the falling ramp of a landing craft; lost half of his left index finger in a gun breach/hang fire incident; had shrapnel in his abdomen; and contracted dysentery at some point.

Post war William Woolley served in the Metropolitan Police until retirement in the early 70's. In 1973 he was the licensee of The Rising Sun PH, Effingham Street, Ramsgate, Kent. Member of the Commando Association (Lincoln Branch) residing Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.