William James Tidmarsh was the eldest of the family of Abel and Amelia Ann (née Stribley) Tidmarsh. Shortley after his birth the family moved to London where William went to school. He was still at home with his family in London in 1911, employed as a manservant. He came to New Zealand about 1913-1914, by which time his mother had died. Along with W. Donnithorne, William enlisted at Temuka in May 1916. When he was drawn in the ballot in April 1917 he was a cook residing with W. Donnithorne, Waitohi Flat. He had been rejected as unfit for military service on account of flat foot. He served with the canteen staff. Biography provided by the Timaru Museum SCRoll project. AWMM