The extent of William's facial injuries change from scene to scene.
The episode opens at the Battle of Amiens, which commenced August 8, 1918. Later, presumably days or even weeks later, after Matthew and William have been transported to Downton, Branson announces to Lady Sybil that the Russian Royal Family had been executed, which occurred July 17, 1918. The news of this execution was reported within days of its occurrence, yet Branson and Sybil speak as though they are just learning of it. Additionally, only the death of Tsar Nicholas was announced by the Bolsheviks at the time. The fates of Empress Alexandra and the children were unconfirmed by the Russian government until 1926, and the official statement regarding them at the of the execution was, "Nicholas Romanov's wife and son have been sent to a secure place."