Troisdorf, Germany
18 - 12 - 18
My dear Wife,
Just a few liners tonight. I am well and having a nice rest. The weather is cool and trying to rain. We will soon have winter, but where we are it’s not too bad. I’m the Rhine valley it much milder and less snow than any part of Germany.
I will be spending my Xmas quietly and in a far away land. The next year will be spent at home if all’s well. It’s something to look forward to and the time will soon pass. I suppose Madeline you are anxious for my return, but what will we do when get back to old life. I have no idea what I am going to do in the future. I do dread the future as shall be unable to make a living. However, will try and keep the wolf from the door. Will you be satisfied to live in a little home or not? I shall try and forget the future and do hope everything will be alright. We expect to be home next year sometime. Your husband is some guy you may guess after such a tumble life.
Now I have not news only keep Eileen in this winter and feed her good wholesome food. I shall look for a wonderful baby, and should not be disappointed.
Love and kisses to Eileen and Yourself.
Your loving husband, Will xx
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Troisdorf, Germany
19 — 12 — 18
My dear Wife,
Am well and on my way to Germany. Alf is well and close beside our Corps. I shall see him soon. I have no news. the welcome is wonderful and shall be never forgotten. Hope Eileen is well and hope to see you very soon. The Armistice is now signed and should surely end the war. I guess the people are over joyed in Canada. We surely are being rec’d kindly on our great march.
Love and kisses to Eileen and Yourself.
Your loving husband, Will xx
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Germany, Dec. 20, 1918
My dear Wife,
Your letter of Nov 24th ret’d tonight. I am well and no complaints. Your letter contained so much and pleased me very much.
In reply to some lines will answer briefly. I expect to be back in Canada in much earlier time than promised when I left Canada. I should be home before June. Will not promise to live on any farm or to live in Arkona. I am very independent and do not care to live a quiet life. Children will not be an industry which I care to take up. I hope Eileen will be great company for us.
Re. clothes for my return. I shall be angry if you are not properly equipped when I arrive. I expect to be rather swanky so do not spoil the affair.
Mrs Eastman’s death was sad indeed. The story is only another one to remind us of our trust in God. God has taken her away from torture and pain, and to his own keeping. We should be thankful that no calamity has befallen us as yet, and ask God to have mercy on us children. I have seen so many cruel things in this war, and know God will make me forget the horrible things that my life may be pleasant. Yes, I have seen the World’s great war and no one shall see another.
I must close. Love and kisses to Eileen and Yourself.
Your loving husband, Will xx
Remember me to all at home and to Lida.
Troisdorf, Germany
23/12/18
My dear Wife,
I am real well and enjoying life in comfort. The weather is wet and cold just today, but remarkable for this time of the year. We shall soon get cold and snow. Will spend Xmas in town and hope to enjoy myself as best one can in this country.
I am living in one of the best homes in town, and it’s some change to the trenches. The people are very good considering. Well Madeline it’s difficult to be cruel so we use them as they use us. When I get home will tell you all about our doings in Germany.
I have a great time on my horses, and do enjoy a wild run when get a chance. My horses are extra fast and supposed to be the best in the Battalion. Will be lost when no mules to look at. The mokes [Br. slang for donkey] and I are the best of pals, but the men have no love for the long eared brutes.
How is Eileen getting along walking. Please don’t hurry her, because she knows when to walk herself. Tell me has she lovely hair and everything.
Bye Bye with Love and kisses to all
Your loving husband, Will xx
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Troisdorf, Germany
Xmas eve
My dear Wife,
This is Xmas eve and am thinking of my folks at home. Well Madeline we are many thousands of miles apart tonight but my heart is in Arkona. The days of danger we hope are past, and next year we ill be all together again.
These days are of course lonely as we have not fighting and our thoughts are of home. I have worked very hard since coming to France and it is the only think that has kept me from getting lonely. I have so much to think about cannot get downhearted or in the least homesick.
Tomorrow we have a dinner but it’s not the same as at home. Santas [sic] Claus sends all his gifts by mail and at all times. Our Chaplain is holding services tonight and tomorrow in the Catholic Church here. Our Protestant Chaplain is holding services in large Hall in this same town.
This letter is descriptive of course, but nothing else to do but write what is really doing. Eileen will be having a great time tomorrow and sincerely hope all have a good day.
My love and kisses to Eileen and Yourself.
Your loving husband, Will xx
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A Christmas Card [25 December 1918]
Lieut.-Col. C. W. Allen,
the Officers,
Non-Commissioned Officers,
and Men of the
2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion
wish you, from France,
A Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year.
France, 1917-1918
with a pen/ink illustration entitled “A Corner in Voomerzeele”
signed by W.A. Williams Lt.
2nd Can. Pioneers
_____________________________________________________________31 December 1918 [postmarked on the envelope]
Troisdorf, Germany [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troisdorf]
My dear Wife,
I read your letter saying you had record those dresses. I am so glad you record them before Christmas. I have been unable to get anything else to send as we were moving into Germany. Your dress had to be altered some which I hope did not harm it. You are to wear it this winter and not in summer when I get home as it will be too warm. The baby’s dresses sorry to say can’t be worn as they are too large. Now I know Eileen is no elephant.
Madeline tell me what color her hair is going to be an if her hair is long and thick. Is her eyes blue or not and if she is changing in looks. You are so darn selfish hardly ever tell me a word about her only of being mischevious. Has she any good qualities of her Mother or not?
You spoke of deaths and of your friend. Please forget these things and enjoy yourself as it’s the strain of the war that is killing the people off at home. I strongly recommend music as a cure for melancholy. When I get home you will see a changed boy. not so serious and full of sport. It was this that beat the Germans. Take advice live to be 100 and keep the grey hairs away as long as possible. Tell the folks to be more cheerful. Yes you are brave and patient and so proud of you for it. I shall return very soon and proud of my work. The war has caused me to be thankful for ever so little, and to help the weak and also the suffering is my whole ambition. Dead men are not much to bother with and little can be done for them. You see my brain still keep changing so must be mentally O.K. Don’t picture me as angel with wings.
Must close with love and kisses to Eileen and Yourself. Remember me to Lida and tell her I am almost too busy to write.
Your loving husband, Will xx
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