Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Simms, a glove trade worker, born 1856 in Countesthorpe, Leics., and his wife Selina Simms (nee Lord, married in the 3rd quarter of 1882 in the Countesthorpe, Leics. district), born 1857 in Countesthorpe, Leics. William was born in the 1st quarter of 1897 in Countesthorpe, Leics., his siblings were, Edith Annie, born 1883, Mary Elizabeth, a Griswold worker, born 1886, Eliza, a sock trade worker, born 1888, Margaret, born 1892 and Arthur, born in the 4th quarter of 1894, all his siblings were born in Countesthorpe, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Leicester Road, Countesthorpe, Leics. In April 1911 William was employed as a hosiery trade worker and was residing in the family home at Leicester Road, Countesthorpe, Leics., together with his father a glove trade worker, his mother and siblings, Edith, Eliza, a hosiery trade worker, Margaret, a hosiery trade worker, and Arthur, a hosiery trade worker. William was awarded the British and Victory Medals.