William McDougall Anderson, who died at Christchurch, New Zealand, on December 21, 1979, played for Canterbury from 1938 to 1949, scoring 1,728 runs with an average of 36.80. An attacking left-hander, in his one Test match, New Zealand's first after the War - against Australia in 1946- he opened the batting. He was perhaps unlucky not to be picked for the 1949 tour of England. Later he was for a time a New Zealand selector. His son, Robert, has played for New Zealand in recent years.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack

News of the death in Christchurch of William McDougall Anderson on December 21, 1979, prompts recollection of two special claims: he was Ray Lindwall's first Test wicket, and he and his son Robert form one of Test cricket's father-and-son distinctions. Left-hander Anderson senior was destined to play only once for New Zealand, unlike his right-handed son, and Lindwall ruined the occasion for him at Wellington in 1946 by bowling him for 4 and 1 in the home side's twin-debacle of 42 and 54. However, he gave good service to Canterbury either side of the war, making nearly 2000 runs, with a highest score of 137 against Otago in 1945-46.
Wisden Cricket Monthly