William Griesbach left the rest of the family in 1891 in order to attend St. John's College in Winnipeg, from which he graduated in 1895.

He knew from being weighed in at boxing tournaments that he fell short of the minimum 140-pound (64 kg) weight to enlist, so on his way to being weighed he surreptitiously grabbed a large piece of coal from the enlistment centre's coal box and held it behind his back while he stood on the scales.

He was victorious, collecting more than sixty percent of the vote in a three-person race and becoming, at twenty-eight years old, the youngest mayor in the city's history, before or since.

[2] The citation for his DSO appeared in The London Gazette in June 1916 and reads as follows: For conspicuous gallantry and skill in the handling of his battalion during a heavy bombardment and subsequent attack by the enemy.

On another occasion by his prompt action and fine example he was largely responsible for the rescue of several men who had been buried by shell fire.

[3]He was later awarded a bar to his DSO, the citation stating the following: For brilliant leadership and great gallantry in the operations of 8th August, 1918, south-east of Amiens; 2nd and 3rd September, 1918, east of Arras; and 27th/28th September, 1918, west and north-west of Cambrai in the crossing of the Canal du Nord and attack on Bourlon Wood; and during operations 17th/21st October.

He made several personal reconnaissances, and his presence amongst the attacking troops and his coolness under critical conditions were largely responsible for the success that attended the operations.

[4]During World War II, he was made Inspector General of the Canadian Army for Western Canada and was promoted to the rank of major-general.

Mount Griesbach in the Victoria Cross Ranges of Jasper National Park is also named in his honour.