April 1918

In the Field, France

April 2nd, 1918

My dear Wife,

Your letters of Feb 24th, 27th, March 3rd, ret’d today. Simply tickled to death over them, and especially those snaps of Eileen. Well the baby looks like us both, and that’s means good looking. I know she will be a pretty baby by the shape of her face. One of my wishes is that she will be like her Mother. You spoke of the baby’s temper again, and I guess by all accounts it’s just like her old daddy. Poor baby can’t help this awful temper because it’s born in her. Madeline it’s really terrible to think we unfortunate ones are cursed with such a disposition. You must not get angry at the baby because she is too young to know different. That picture of yourself was grand, and am proud of my wife and baby.

I have no news to tell, only this. We are doing our bit, and full of confidence. Don’t worry over things you read in the papers. We are having heaps of fun with the Huns. I have a few words to tell only. Some of the letters speak of discouragement and a feeling of dissatisfaction. You seem to think Lida has done a grand thing in being a nurse, and wish you only done the same. Lida is certainly answered a high and noble calling but you will fill one so much better someday. My ambitions are not that you should be one never to do great things. I am trying as also are you to show the people what can be accomplished.

You spoke in your letters of me writing spooney letters, and also your mother hated so much talk about my wife and baby. Well the answer is this, no letters at all if not satisfied. I suppose life is made miserable for some people by my strange ideas. I might tell you dare not write anything about what is going on over here. The days are full of happenings and could never begin to tell my experiences. Will tell all on my return.

Madeline just a word in conclusion. Don’t be angry at my little girl if she refuses to go out to some old women’s party. I should loved to seen you that fateful day. I think the baby and myself will be great pals someday. Must close and write soon again. 

With love and kisses to yourself and Eileen.

Your loving husband, Will xx 

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France, April 4th, 1918

Dear Mrs Lucas,

I thought I had better write you a few lines as it is some time since I have heard from any of you, I hope all is quite well at home.

There has not been a great deal of Canadian mail in lately, I received two letters from London and one from Miss Beatty of Forest yesterday. I have answered their letters so I thought I would write to you hoping it finds you quite well.

As you well know things are somewhat lively out here these days. I don’t know know how the boys are as I have not seen them for some time, so I do not know how they are keeping but I hope they are all alright.

We have not been able to do much writing this last two weeks on account of us moving so much so I am writing a few lines while I have the chance.

I have been a little uncomfortable this last week, it have been quite wet but it will quit raining some day I guess. 

I suppose the Hun is just the same as ever it will be getting nice weather by the time this letter arrives.

We were on the Ocean this time last year, there have been many changes since then. I wonder where we will be this time next year?

How is Mrs Williams & her little daughter, give her my best regards also all the rest at home. I would like very much to see you

[subsequent page(s) missing]

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In the Field, France

April 7th, 1918

Mrs W.A. Williams

Arkona, Ontario, Canada

My dear Wife,

Sunday 2:30 P.M.

I am well and having a little time to spare, intend to spend it in writing. I do hope today you are all well, and enjoying yourselves. The day is cool and trying to rain. the planes are very active s the clouds are quite high, and no wind blowing. The mud is not deep but very sloppy. We never know when the rest day comes anymore, as all days are alike. I have no news to tell this time.

It’s one year ago to-day we were minded and also landed in England. The days are going some believe me. This year we are one month earlier in the season than last. The trees are getting ready to leaf out, and the spring flowers are coming in bloom in some places. How I wish I was with you these nice days of springtime. Well the time will soon come now. I hope to be home this year sometime in the autumn, maybe about September. However if not then soon as transportation will allow. The war is quite alive again but no doubt will soon end. The Huns are surely getting themselves into deep water. 

With spring coming you will feel more happier than when shut up in the house like you spent last winter. Eileen will be a nuisance before long no doubt as the time will soon come when she will be creeping. I suppose you are tired of her by  now. Do you ever get angry anymore? I never thought such a little thing would get you angry. Madeline it’s quite a joke to think baby is spunky and no doubt will make so much trouble for you, but when I get back home you will have no more trouble.

About those pictures of Eileen. She is surely some sweet baby and can see it in her looks. You seem jealous because they say the baby looks like me but never mind the next will be yours (ha ha.) I can see you are anxious for a few more by one of your letters. No more will suit me just right. Madeline when I get home you will have to educate me in somethings because this life is not the same to what I was used to in Canada. Have been worrying about the parcels sent to you, but it’s not time for a reply as yet. Your Mother never writes often or your father either, perhaps too busy. Hope Mr Lucas soon gets better. When I go back home will be able to help sometimes when he needs help.

I never get any news of our people, only a little Lola and Gene write. Harry is too busy to write often. Father is no hand writing letters. No word from Alf for sometime, but he was then well, and corporal again with pay. He wants me to claim him to get out here but I cannot see my way clear to do that yet. How I wish our boys keep out of harm and every day I look over the list to see who gets wounded. now I am going to write Otto Schmidt and also Dr Hame if get time today. I am quite a houseman now and just love my new job. Maybe sometime will get a snap of outfit. The train is nearly 1/2 mile long and takes some work keeping it going while on the move. My new name is T.O.

Must close with best wishes.

Love and kisses to yourself and Eileen.

Your loving husband, Will xx

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