April 1917

Bramshott. England
Easter Sunday. 1917


Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona. Ont. Can.


Dear Madeline,


This is Sunday Eve and will try and writ you a brief but interesting letter. I am real well and sincerely trust you are well also. I do hope you are feeling better than when I left you in London. Well Dear our trip was certainly one long and tiresome one over two weeks and no experience to speak of. We landed at Liverpool Saturday morning and went at once to Bramshott Camp, arriving here about 4 P.M. We got off the train at Liphook Stn and walked to our camp about 2 miles. Bramshott is about 1 mile from here. I believe there are several small villages outside this camp. The camp is very high and dry and will be much like Borden. We are in tents, but will be in huts before long. All the troops coming here are put in tents and not allowed to move off their ground for 10 days. 149 and 186 are here together. The weather here is much like home and the nights very cold. The day has been find and tonight cold west winds. The spring is very late and no signs of the trees coming out in leaf. The grass is always green as it is so wet and the winter mild. That is not frozen up. England is certainly a beautiful land and no wonder it's such a nation. Madeline I must be careful what I write about as you may not get this letter, but there is every reason to be proud of being a Briton. How I would love to tell you how these men have enlisted and their numbers in khaki. Walter Woolvett came over to see us this morning. I had quite a talk to him. He leaves for France tomorrow, also saw Mr Gardener who was in the bank in Arkona. He was turned down and will be kept here on Red Cross work. They will not let us within 30 feet of each as there are double guards on.

Tomorrow they are going to fence the camp and we will be able to talk through the fence to other boys. After 10 days we will likely get 6 days leave. This C.B. Is for sickness in the camp and to prevent any being brought in. All the 118 Bn are here yet. It will be a long time before the 149 get across. There are a lot of officers here to go and my turn will be a long time. I hope this letter gets thru and if I can get stamps to send it. I hope you got the message sent and was pleased. Be sure and tell me all the news. All the boys are well after our experience. Will write something funny before long. Our trip was sort of thrilling and your hubby nearly got wet. Address: Army P.O. London England. Remember me to all and lots of love for yourself. Goodbye, Your loving husband.


Will. X.

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Bramshott. Camp Eng.

April 10th 1917
4:30 P.M.

Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona Ont. Can.


Dear Madeline,

I take the pleasure of writing your this P.M. I am well hoping this may find you enjoying the best of health. Today is cold and squally snow flurries. We feel the cold terribly here and make us hump around. The tents are not hot by any means and simply broke the wind off us. They gave us lots of blankets to keep us warm at night but sleeping in tents and snow outside isn't warm. I sleep on the floor its not like a bed by any means. This food is scarce and quality poor. The men complain and almost not over the food. The bread is all very scarce. They grind the wheat for flour, bran shorts and all together. The bread is very dark but good. There is not butter, every body gets margarine. Very few potatoes and meat. The boys all miss the good meals at home. They wish to be in Camp Borden now. They never will get through bickering.

Well today we were out for a route march and all feel tired. The roads are all hard and nearly breaks your bones. This camp is very large and of course up to date as so many have trained here. The boys are all well and have all written reports by now. I had a big job yesterday. The 186 were trying to get our boys to start a row and believe me they tried hard but the boys quit and the 186 went on strike themselves. We heard today our boys will be here for 3 months anyway and the officers much longer. We have to drill our own men and wait our chance of going overseas after the surplus officers have gone. I will get lost of courses by what I hear. I am so glad I had none at home because we go thru all again here. After today C.B. We all get 6 days leave and then no one gets any for 14 weeks. I hope this is true because I will go down to London. It is just 42 miles straight east of here. I am not turned around in this land.

This is all the news today and I hope Dear you will be pleased with these few scribbled lines.

Bye Bye. Your loving husband Billie.

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Bramshott Camp. Eng.
April 11th 1917
10 A.M.
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona Ontario Canada

Dear Madeline,
I promised to write more about our trip over the pond. Good Friday passed off fine but Saturday A.M. Brought forth fin in a hurry. No doubt you people heard at home of the accident to our old friend the Lapland. Well those Huns put a fire cracker in the road and we hit it and hit it hard too. Friday we passed into the St Georges Channel we all felt safe for the first since leaving Canada. About 1:20 A.M. Saturday morning while passing up the Mersey River we hit a mine and stopped the whole works. I was asleep at the time in the 2nd deck cabin and the old devil hit right below in the 2nd floor down below. The explosion tore a hole about 10 feet wide in the side and smashed everything to smitherines.
Had the boys not been on the upper decks sleeping in the open some would have been killed. As it was only two or three of the 244 were killed and several hurt. The 149 Bn were at the rear of the boat and missed the fun. Several of the 149 were on guard and had some experience. I was the only officer of 149 who was down below in the bow of the boats. They shifted me from 139 to 117 room because it was healthier, so that is why I got such a lift. The lift consisted of a bump on the ceiling and then on the floor. I was dressed at the time and all I had to do was put on my great coat and life belt and get out. Believe me no one stopped to share or light a cigarette. Well everybody went to their boats and stood awaiting orders to move. However they closed the water tight doors and only two decks got flooded. About 27 feet of water came into the front of the boat but still she held and we moved along slowly and landed at Liverpool 4:10 A.M. We were all landed at once and put into sheds until trams arrived. There will be all kinds of yarns about this mine. But it was pure and simple laid for the Lapland and because the boat did not sink was because the bulk heads held us and kept the water from the boilers. The Captain give the boys great praise for their coolness and only for their long training there would have been a panic as the crew all left their posts first. Your hubby was quite cool and did his best to hold the 244 Bn boys who were at the bow from rushing the boats. The boys will tell the rest if Augustine thinks my heart went bad. The Arkona boys all deserve credit for their behaviour.
I hope this lingo proves satisfactory.
Billie.
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Bramshott Camp, England
15 April 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Canada


Dear Madeline,
I am well and hope you are the same. All the boys are well that came from Arkona. We are in tents and expect to go to the huts Tuesday. The weather is cold and wet and most uncomfortable. 

Now Dear letters written a few days ago are returning and we are not allowed to state place, date or Bn numbers so expect my letters all back. I will wire when I get out of segregation and moreover we have been warned not to write any information. Things are tightening up all the time. If the first letters get thru I will know then what to write. 

I begin a course in Engineering on Wednesday and unable to tell you where I will be sent. Mr Scott goes with me. He will be good chum. This cuts of[f] my leave to London just now. However I will be able to get off week ends and may go to the city to see my cousin. Alf will go this week. Be sure and write me all about yourself and what you are doing these days. I do hope you are feeling better than when I left. 

Remember Madeline when I get back their [sic] will be two happy people in the world. Life is misery everywhere while this war lasts. Be cheerful as you can and the time will soon roll around. I was dreaming of Torrington the other night and something tells me he is done. Will hear when you answer this letter. Madeline be sure and tell your Father to plant lots of garden for next winter. I hope to be home and we are vegetarians now so will be used to such. 

Remember me to folks and all at home. Will try and write every Sunday and Wednesday. The war effects [sic] the mail coming this way so it will be sometime before get word from home. 

Must close. GoodBye. 

Your loving husband Will
Address. 149 Battn. Army. P.O. London, England

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Bramshott Camp, England
22 April 1917


Dear Madeline,

This is Sunday evening and as I am rather idle will try and write you a letter. Have rec'd no word from anyone since landing in England. One month today we left London, how the time goes. 

Well Madeline I am well and enjoying myself my own way. I do hope you are well and enjoying the spring time. How I would love to be with you tonight but all I can do is just think about it. Have you got your brown silk made up and what kind of hat did you get this Easter. Be sure and tell me all and send me your picture because I am pretty lonesome tonight. I have been alone all day and have not left camp. All the officers are away to see the villages around and tonight they are in the mess. I was to church parade this morning and the service was grand. The chaplain was a Canadian from Salonikia. Over here is where a sermon is appreciated and how the boys were interested, the singing was wonderful. How I wish I were a chaplain, after today's sermon. 

The Arkona boys are all well and comfortable, the food is much better now and no complaints. Elmer Smith came over from Witley camp and stayed all day. He looks fine and wishes he were with us again, expects to go to France soon. He left Camp Borden last August. Pte Martelle Port Franks has suspected spinal menengitis. Pte Roger Foust diptheria. Pte Berry, Forest, pneumonia. All three are very serious cases. Capt Wykesmith and Edwards are in the hospital, cold and sprained ankles resp. Mr Scott Swift Fyffe and MacMillan left this morning for a two weeks course in trench warfare. Mr Scott is transferred to Royal Flying Corps. Capt Cheyne and Knowles refuse to revert to Lt. And are trying for the air service. Mr Stokes trying also. Capt Trainor Wykesmith and Edwards have reverted. Col. Macvicar refuses to revert also Major Dunfield, Morrison and Moncrrieff. They many yet or go in some other branch of the service. Well me for the infantry, what is good enough for the men is good enough for me. Will write you particulars later. 

All the boys are privates now but hope they soon gain them back. Have met many old friends over here. Sgt Claude Newell and Routley are here just now. Many officers I used to know. There seems to be lots of men over here and will be a long time before we all go over. The boys are all very confident of success and expect it to end soon. The Canucks gave them all they wanted at Vimy ridge. They sure are popular in England. The Australians are very unpopular here. We see men from all parts of the British Empire. Those troops from India are seen moping around hospital here. We have see several planes flying around, they sure speed along faster than the old Ford. No rig to court a girl in. Expect to go on leave this week also the men. This camp is very good and much better than expected. The weather is fine the last few days and things will soon begin to grow. They tells us the worst weather of the year was while we were under canvas. I am sure none of us will ever forget it. I hope to go on course after my leave. Am attached to headquarters now. The boys are all in two companies now and mixed up together.

Madeline I must be careful and not write too many military matters. How are you keeping anyway? Be sure and write all in your letters. I must be careful in mine, because you will be likely to let your people read them. I do hope your sickness is improved by now. Have you been sick lately, I expect to be pushing a waggon next summer if alls well. Capt Trainor told me his wife is up stump but did not tell me when the accident occurred. Seems people won't be careful. 

Well I am living for the day when we will have a baby of our own No one knows what love it will bring you and I. Without children we will never be happy. How I do hope you will take great care of yourself, and please ask your mother anything that you many not know. Remember this is on my mind all the time and if anything happens I am to blame. Madeline you will worry about me but do not as I am serious and will be careful. Those girls you speak about, they are not here unless you are looking for them. There are likely nice people as well as at home, but I will shun them all. I will only get one lave and there is no chance here as we have to go out of camp to find them, and I ain't running around looking for such. If I break the golden rules I will die in France, and no one would ever know. I do hope you think I will be man enough to stick to my word, I am praying every night for a safe return to my home in Canada. Now I will be careful and arrive home when I get the opportunity. I am not sorry for my trip and only more determined than ever to fix those Germans. They surely must be cannibals the way they carry on. I am saving up my money and will have some for that little hut of ours. Have you heard any yarns about me leaving you and offering to go as a prvt [?] I hope people wont think I am a shirker. The boys all certainly use me good and believe me have every respect. I do hope some write home and give a good report of our boys. 

Well how is Lida getting along at the store. These will be the busy days, lots of eggs and butter. Tell your mother and Father I would like to write them, but your letter will do them all. 

Must close and hope to hear from you before long. You will have lots of letters to answer as well as myself. Be sure and have a good time, don't spare the money and visit lots. This will be syrup season at home. We have no maples here. I have a souvenir of the Lapland to bring home with me packed in trunk. 

GoodBye, your loving husband Will. 
25th Reserve Battn, Army P.O. London, England.

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Bramshott, England
April 25th 1917


Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Can.


Dear Madeline -

Will try and write and write you a short letter. I am well, only slight cold. Hope you are well and enjoying yourself. The boys are all well. Today is fine but cool somewhat like springtime. The trees are shooting buds and in a few days will leaf out. I am busy drilling a squad of Pioneers since landing in camp. they are a pretty stupid bunch. They have been here for 6 months and never drilled until now. Mr Stokes Woodrow and myself leave on May 5th for Bexhill on the sea. This course is the same as Showler was taking and I think is the same school. Expect to be there sometime. This was the course I was so anxious to take. The officers of the 25th use me fine and am bound to be used good. The boys leave in two or three days on leave. I expect to go with them. It will be nice if Alf and I go at the same time. When I arrive in the other camp I wrote all the boys at the front and today rec’d word from Beaumy, Ethan and Will Torrington. Theare are all well and was pleased to hear from me. I am answering them at once. Will mail them if I find room in another letter. 

Madeline it is hard to write so many letters and receive none. They sure will be dry, but I bet you will find it hard too. The Canadian mail arrived today for the first in 5 weeks. Those addressed to war office will be here for a day or so, also those to Army P.O. I hope those send to war office will come alright. Be sure and write Army P.O. London on your letters as I will be a Bexhill next little while. Am enclosing a small card, would love to send some present but its rather risky these days. Will bring you something nice when I go home. 

Must close, hoping to hear from you soon and wishing you a Happy Birthday. 

GoodBye, Your loving husband. Will.


P.S. No mail today from Canada, maybe tomorrow. Remember me to all and love to yourself. Billie.

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Bramshott Camp, England
26 April 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona Ont. Can.


Dear Madeline

Your welcome letter was rec’d, noon today. Believe me I was pleased to get it. Was so sorry to hear of you being so sick, but glad you were feeling better when you wrote. I am real well again, since the letter arrived. It was 5 weeks exactly since I bid you GoodBye. That time has had dry much happen in my life. 

Well Dear I wrote you last night but can write a nice letter tonight. Those clippings were fine but they never put anything in the paper about Billie. Alf rec’d a letter from home today and they said everybody was clipping out piece or sending the paper to friends. Gene wrote nearly all the news. He said to show the letter to me, and he also spoke of you having a severe cold. The phone seems so nice to have at your home, and I do hope the Williams and Lucas will always be interested in our welfare. 

The boys mostly all rec’d mail today which was mailed after we left. it will be along time before we get an answer to our letters. Letters we receive a month from now will be awful stories of the Lapland.1 The boys were overjoyed when they got the mail. I understand the papers had praise for the 149 Battn. Over here we are reckoned by those in the Brigade to be the best bunch of men ever on parade. The officers can say nothing but words of praise for steadiness and fitness. I got orders today to go on leave with the men and Alf and I will be together. Mrs Jones wants Alf and I to go to her husband’s people and said they wrote for us to be sure and call on them. They live in London, so will have two places to visit now. When I return will go at once to Bexhill on the Sea. My mail will be forwarded to me. 

Madeline you spoke about your dress and hat, I do hope you will like your outfit and especially the coat. If you don’t like it buy another. You surely deserve all the clothes you want after doing all winter without any. Be sure and send lots of snap shots of yourself. You never spoke of anyone at your home in the letter. How is Lyda and All. This is a funny life, so far from home, and the newspapers are not interesting. All the boys love to hear from Canada. We all pass the news to one another. You spoke in your letter of breaking down, also of being a baby. Well all I can say you are a brave girl and stood the parting like a woman. I do know here were worried awfully and for weeks before you showed the strain. If any body thinks it’s nothing let them try what you have gone through. The suspense of waiting knowing someday I would leave you for overseas would make anyone worry. I hope you will be alright soon and don’t think so much of me, because that is hard on you. I pray for you every night and you for me so will always e remembered. I am very anxious for the front, and everybody knows that here. I have no fear whatever of anything else and if I do fall will be as fit there as any where else. When the liner struck the mine I thought of you, then smiled and thought of my Saviour, and was perfectly calm and went quietly about the deck waiting to see what would happen. I assure you it was a test for the boys and everyone will never forget the feelings they had. We all joke now to make things easier, but it was no place in the night in the middle of a river two or three miles wide. However this is only one of the many in store for us. Those are the bumps we are up against. How do the town boys like Home defence? Do they drill yet? They are a poor bunch and will never get any praise and lots of knocks. Tell Lida to write when she gets a chance. Billie got some letters today perhaps from Miss Warren. I wonder if the engagement is broken yet. 

Must close. Remember me to all and love to yourself. Your loving husband. Will


P.S. I have invested in a sleeping bag and a cot. Believe me some comfort. I got the best (The Haig) 4£ or $20. I just got orders to get my overseas outfit at once. I will be ready for France before winter if they need men very bad. Will


1 On October 29, 1914 the Lapland began the Liverpool-New York City crossings under the British flag while under charter to Cunard Line. In April 1917 she was mined off the Mersey Bar Lightship, but managed to reach Liverpool and in June 1917 she was requisitioned and converted to atroopship. Among her first passengers in August 1917 were the aviators of the 1st Aero Squadron, the first unit of the United States Army Air Service to reach France. More at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Lapland

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London, England
April 30th 1917

Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario Can.


Dear Madeline-
Will write you a short letter and do hope it may interest you. I am now well, and hope you are the same. At present I am staying at Cobourg Court Hotel, London. This is a very large hotel, and one of the best in London. Opposite are the Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Mostly all the people here are tourists or very wealthy. They charge about 6s ($15.0) for bed. The meals are 3s (75 cents). In peace times the meals very dear, but at present no one allowed to eat more than 3s of food. I sure hit some place. 

Well I wanted to see good people and they are here. I came down to London Saturday and went to my cousin, and visited him part of Saturday and Sunday. They were sure pleased to see me and our visit was very pleasant. Today I visited other cousins and had a very pleasant time. I will tell you all when I return as it would not be of interest to you now. I expect Alf here today and will visit the city proper. London is a magnificent city and useless to write or attempt the like. Will tell you all again. My cousin keeps a drug store and has to do all the work himself as he cannot get help. He has no family just his wife and an adopted boy Cousin of his by the name of Dyke, also distant relatives of mine are here. That is all the relatives they know. One of the Miss Dykes is married to an Mr Atkins the other has been maid a long time. Had she been brand new likely I would stay but she shows about 50 yrs wear. 

So much for this. I have to go back Thursday morning and proceed to Bexhill on the Sea. I think we will see most of London’s best sights by that time. Well Dear I was pretty lonesome last night here all alone and intended to write you, but was witnessing the search lights over the city until late as I was tied I promised to do it today. How I wished so many times you were here. I do hope you are enjoying yourself. This is no place for my dear Wife as they will not let officers leave camp any more and will be awful for those living in near by town. 

I will close and write Wednesday. Remember me to all. 

Love to yourself GoodBye, Will

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