William was the twin son of Frederick and Selina (nee Barton) born in Hinxworth, Hertfordshire on 10 July 1888.
Frederick was the eldest son of Philip and Louisa (nee Huffer) Hollingsworth , born at Ashwell on 17 March 1862. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Arthur was the second son of Emma Oyston, born in Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 12 May 1885. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Benjamin, known as Wilf, was born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 18 April 1883, the eldest son of Alfred William and Eliza Betsy (nee Barton) Skerman. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.