William was co-founder and from 1898 to 1901 President of the Navy League.

The Navy League makes the following awards to members of the sea services:

He also served as President of the Navy League from 1924 until 1931.

From its earliest days, the Navy League has been an active organization.

Over the last decade, the Navy League has diversified to examine all aspects of ocean use.

In retirement he was Chairman of Navy League from 1960 to 1967.

In 1898, the Navy League had over 300,000 fee paying members and 770,000 affiliated through other organizations.

The Navy League was influential in other causes, however.

He was also on the executive council of the Navy League.

They have served as an officer in the Navy League of Canada for not less than 2 years.