Seaman's card photo
1892 Mar 25. . Born Redcar, Yorks.
1901 census at Redcar
1911 census at Wiley Bridge , West Coatham , Redcar
1916 Jan 18 Commissioned Engineer Sub Lt RNR. He appears to have stayed at this rank.
1921 Jan 16 . Joined ADRIC with service no 1702. Posted to M Coy
Fined 1 days pay by Coy Commander
1921 Jul 9 Posted to Depot
1922 Jan 19. Discharged on demobilisation of ADRIC
1924 Jun 6. Sails as 2nd Engineer on a collier
1939 Register. Living with wife Elsie at Coatham,Christ Church Road , Newport C.B., Monmouthshire. He is manager of a petroleum depot
1941 Dec 19. Awarded BEM. William Davidson Riley, Supervisor, Petroleum Board Depot. Enemy action caused a fire at a Petroleum Depot. Two small tanks blazed fiercely and the flames licked the side of one of the main tanks. Whilst water was played on this tank to cool it, Mr. Riley, without thought for his own safety, climbed a ladder to the top of the tank and shut off valves to prevent the escape of gas which was being generated by the heat. Riley showed great courage, being fully aware that the damaged tank was liable to explode. By his action valuable property was saved from destruction
1952 Oct/ 18. Died Whitby, Yorks aged 60.