William McGaw was the eldest son of William and Mary McGaw. He was born on 19th July 1896 in Ballymoyle, Coagh. The 1901 census lists William as age 4, living with the family at house 17 in Ballylifford, Salterstown, County Londonderry. His father was a labourer. His mother was a housekeeper. At the outbreak of the First World War, William McGaw enlisted in Glasgow, joining the Highland Light Infantry. He later transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders. Private McGaw was wounded in action and taken to No 3 General Hospital at Le Treport. Private William McGaw died of his wounds on Wednesday 25th July 1917.