William Pike was born in Aldershot, Hampshire. He joined the 2nd Battalion at Ashton under Lyne as a Boy Soldier, serving as a Drummer from the 12th of November 1887. 

On the 1st of January 1897 he reached the age of 18 years as a Private, having been appointed Bandsman on the 15th of November 1892. William served in India during the Tirah Campaign. He served a total of 12 years, a decade of those in the East Indies (India) before returning home in 1898. 

William discharged as a Private on the 31st of October 1899.