Son of M. A. and Sarah Humphries, of 2, Bond St., Tamboerskloof, Cape Town. Served in East and West Africa, 1914 to 1918. William Humphries served with the 2nd Infantry (The Dukes) in South West Africa up to 31 July 1915. He subsequently enlisted in the 12th SA Infantry for service in East Africa. After 26 some months as Regimental Signaller, he was transferred to the Divisional Signalling Company on 13.6.1917. He arrived back in the Union at the end of August 1918, when he was admitted to No. 4 General Hospital, Roberts Heights. He was transferred to No. 2 General Hospital on 17 September 1918, suffering from malaria and dysentery. In regards to his DCM citation the action mentioned would most probably have been against the German East African Schutztruppen under the famous Oberleutnant Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck who crossed into Portuguese Territory late in November 1917.
LG Sup 3 Sept 1919 - "For constant good work, devotion to duty and gallantry under fire. Also for conspicuous gallantry at Masanje, Portuguese East Africa on 1st January, 1918."