William Hunter was born in Leith, Scotland on 3 October 1888, the son of Mr and Mrs John Hunter. He joined the Merchant Marine as an apprentice on the barque rigged ELGINSHIRE on 29 May 1905, signing on for four years. He was rated Able Seaman on 31 May 1909 and continued to serve in the ELGINSHIRE until 22 September 1909. He was awarded his Second Mate’s Certificate on 1 November 1909. On 12 January 1914 William Hunter was serving as the Second Mate on the SS CROWN OF GALICIA.

He joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a Temporary Sub Lieutenant on 16 August 1915 and was appointed to the minesweeper HMS BLUEBELL on 23 August 1915. William Hunter joined submarines on 15 December 1915 and was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS MAIDSTONE ‘for Submarines‘ on that date. On 10 February 1916, William Hunter was appointed to HMS E4 as Navigating Officer. On 15 April 1916, he was promoted to Temporary Acting Lieutenant, RNR. E4 was sunk with all hands, following a collision with HMS E41 off Harwich, on 15 August 1916.

William Hunter was buried at the Shotley (St Mary) Cemetery in the Submarine Enclosure.