Little is known about the early life of William Griffiths.   The 1911 Census states that he and his wife Mary Griffiths lived at Conways Row, Bagillt, Flintshire with their two children – Mary Elizabeth Griffiths aged 3 and Edith Griffiths aged 1.    William was employed as a Collier’s Labourer at Bettisfield Colliery.

County Herald Newspaper – Friday 5th April 1918 – Death of a local soldier.  Information was received at the latter end of last week to the effect that Lance Corporal William Griffiths whose home is in Conway’s Row, Bagillt had been killed in action.  The deceased prior to his enlistment was employed in the Bettisfield Colliery and who was well known to numerous workmen at the pit and residents.  He leaves a widow and three children to mourn his loss and the sympathies of the people of Bagillt we feel be extended them in their great bereavement.  

He is also remembered on The North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales.

There is a Flintshire Roll of Honour Card for him at the County Archives Office, Hawarden, which was completed on 9th September 1919 by his wife Mary.