William Neilly DCM (1893-1956) falsified his age and enlisted in the British army on 25 July, 1910.
When as a lance corporal (acting corporal) serving in the 150th Field Company, Corps of Royal Engineers attached to the 36th Ulster Division. The following action took place for which he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).
On 22 March, 1918 when serving at Tugny, Aisne, France. He had charge of the demolition of a railway bridge, and waited under continuous artillery and machine-gun fire until the enemy were actually on the bridge before destroying it. Later, when ordered to demolish another bridge, he sent back his party and waited alone till the enemy were on the opposite bank before firing the charge.
During this action he was the member of a team led by Second Lieutenant Cecil Leonard Knox, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part.
William Neilly left the army as a Lance Sergeant after the end of World War I in 1918. He remained in the army reserve until he was demobilised on 24 July, 1922.