Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Can
My Dear Wife,
I ask you now to pardon me for so long in writing. I have tried several times but was always unable to finish. I am well and feeling the best. I hope this letter finds you in the best of health. At present I am in Scotland on a tour of the Isles. I promised in my letter would go back to camp but all promises are broken in war time.
We finished the C.T.S. Bexhill-on-Sea on Saturday and if you should not be angry passed the school with extra marks. So pleased was I that have been unable to realize what it means to be on the top list. Well the commandant recommended me for seven days leave and it came out in orders, before I knew who I was. To be sure I just took the chance and here is where I landed. We took a special train to London. I stayed at the Strand Palace Hotel Saturday took in a show (Zig Zag) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zig-Zag!]. It was wonderful, visited many places of importance such as the Bank of Montreal and drew a few pounds. Sunday went out to South Norword and had a lovely visit with Mrs Robt Jones people. They sure were glad to see me and stayed the day with them. Mrs Wm Ryde is Aunt Emily’s sister-in-law and she was most kind, and like one of our people. They have a little girl about seven years old, Mollie and she is some boy [sic].
I intend sending my trunck here when I go to France. They are very anxious to do anything for us boys. They live about 14 miles from the Strand near the Crystal Palace. On Monday went to Westminster Abbey and saw the 50th Anniversary of Canada. Queen Alexandria, King George and Queen Mary were there and had a good look at the Royalty. It was a wondeful thing to me and thousands of our boys were there to see the doings. The guard of honor was from all the Canadians training camps.
Monday evening took in a show Theodore and Co. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_%26_Co]. It was rather rough and no place for a lady. Hundreds took it in but you should not of stayed. Well Madeline I only wish you were here for some of the sights but I know it can’t be. I don’t enjoy things because you are not with me to see too.
Thursday I left for Scotland and arrived here 12 midnight. I will visit Glasgow and other places and return Friday evening, getting in London Saturday 6 A.M. Will proceed to Camp by noon. The full time will be taken up. The country is grand and the crops are the best. Could not visit this place at a better time.
My trip will be the complete length of England and right through the centre. I have nearly circled England now and hope to see some of Scotland. Well this sounds nice to you but no pleasure in it. Alf is in Hertford as yet and will be through his course the 9th. I hope to see him when arriving home. I met Billie Bartlett in London and was going back to Canada for five months leave. His right arm is badly mauled. He will be over to Arkona for a while. I did not know him at first sight but he thought he knew my face. It will be a nice trip back for him and may he never return.
Madeline I have no news only this trip. I hope to write more when I get back. I do hope this letter overtakes the last one. There is much going on over here and unless I wrote every day forget what happens. I might say tried to write five different times but was so pleased with my exams, thought they might spoil the letter. I won’t say anything more. I am alone and the other boys going back no money too good a time as they go. Will close and Goodbye
Your loving hubby,
Billie x
Remember me to all and tell Aunt Emily will write her someday.
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5 July 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Can
My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines this evening. Am well and having a very good time. Arrived in Glasgow today and going to London to tomorrow evening. Leaving on 8 A.M. for Bramshott. I am rather tired moving about and this evening am quite comfortable in this place. Well this place is not so nice as Edinburgh but very much larger, about 1,000,000. While it is fresh on my mind will give you a few of the things that strike me most. Have seen more drunks here than anywhere yet. The people are not so tidy and clean as the English people. The girls are workers and less style here in Scotland than anyplace seen yet. The lassies seen here on the streets are quite beefy and have fair looking ankles. The majority have red hair and look very coarse and rather thrill a Canuck. The women mostly wear a plaid shawl and would lead one to think they were cold. There are piles of kids in this country (two legged) and they carry them wrapped in this shawl. I admire the Scotch for many things and especially their great bridges, ship building and railroads. Have crossed some beautiful scenery on this trip. Was up north to the Foryth bridge and saw some of the fleet. Spent the greater part of the forenoon today in Edinburgh Castle, must say impossible to mention what all have seen. When I get home will be able to tell more. The country is beautiful and the crops extra good. The whole of my trip nightie but fields of potatoes and looking dandy. Up in Scotland seen several fields of 50 acres or more and clean as a garden. I fear there will an overdose this year.
Madeline I must tell you while in Edinburgh had a glimpse taken on some postcards and will forward one to you some time soon. Must say they are not ready for some days. Was feeling rather smily so look out for a flatter. I expect some mail from you soon as arrive in camp. Those pictures of yours are grand if they ever come. Well I have forgotten what you look like so it’s up to you. My advice to you is get it taken soon for fear it will be a group.
Now Madeline don’t get angry for I am not making fun just chirring up. After travelling about a good deal looking for a nice girl I came to the conclusion will go back to Canada and stop where I left off. I am not going to make this letter sound blue so will fill it up with nonsense. Tell Lyda the stores here are crammed full of goods and the windows are always full of goods. Everything has a ticket on it with price. If I ever go back and work in a store will be able to do some funny stunts. Why I have not written anybody but you is this. When even I have time I write you. Tell them all will try soon. When even I send a card to Canada will tell you am getting bad and smoke cigarettes some times. Let me know if the smoke bothers. I hope you know they all use them. Really it’s hard to write after so long getting a letter from you. How is Gene and Lola and all the folks getting along? Tel me how our baby is coming along. How much do you weigh? Would love to send some dress goods over but it’s so risky. Don’t be angry. I only feel like writing jokes tonight. I have not been drinking only quite contented tonight. Be sure and answer all these questions and kisses in advance.
GoodBye
Your loving husband
Billie.
Will try and write all a letter on Sunday and tell more news of our 149 boys.
Bye bye B x
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8/7/1917
Bramshott EnglandMrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Can.
My Dear Wife.
Yours of June 2nd, 10th and 13th record on my arrival here, also one letter from Donna and one from Alf. I was glad to get them and pleased. I must say after reading one of your letters was discouraged. Well Madeline I am well and do hope this letter finds you in better health than you have been enjoying of late. I arrived back to this place Saturday P.M. Must say enjoyed my trip very well, but most tired out on arriving home. Today is very wet and foggy, and I was over with Gordon Brown to Witley to see Fred Brown. He was not in camp. We were told he was out to a near by village and would likely not in until late.
I had a good visit with the boys over there. Ed Crawford, S. Cornell and Bob McKie are the only Arkona boys. They are well and like the place quite well. All the boys here are well and quite a number are out at the ranges. It was a quite treat to see the boys again. They all look well and are anxious for to get away. They are tired of drilling and since they are broken up makes them rather discouraged. How I wish I was with them. There were sure glad to see their own officers again and all wished we were drilling them. Col. MacVicar, Capts Trainor, Wyksmith and Edwards are leaving this week for France and holding their rank, but are going to the Imperial Army. On arriving here was at once detailed for a Brigade Musketry course here for 1 week and then go to Aldershot for my long wanted course. I will be glad and after that I am ready for somewhere. Lieuts Woodrow, Stokes and Fyffe are going with me. I hope some more of our boys go with us for company.
While in London had the pleasure of seeing this big air raid. I was at Waterloo Station at the time and stood outside the whole time and watched them. I surely never was so lucky because was longing to see one and was waiting for the train to come here when the whole doings was on. Really it was a wonderful sight and must say was greatly interested. You will read all about it before even this letter gets away from here. I am afraid to tell you any more because of destroying this letter. I have just been warned tonight that the letters are being censored very much especially without the stamps.
Now my Dear Wife as have been worried by your letter will try and explain things to you. You spoke of the trip and the good time was having an you so lonely and poorly. I tell you am having a good time, no time is good if you really want to know. If it was not for the boys and kept busy would die. I simply got to get busy and forget things. those trips are nothing because we are always going day by day nearer to the trenches. If you were with me would enjoy it. I went to Scotland because I had the chance and I know you will not be sorry when I get home and tell you all.
Everything we do and everywhere the boys go is only to cover up the future because it’s a real rough road ahead. I ams so sorry to write the truth this time because it only makes you feel bad. My whole mind is on you and if you only take care of yourself will only please me too well. You spoke of lonesome Arkona and how quiet. I mentioned it to the boys and how we wish we were only there where it is quiet. All the people at home long to be away and we all long to be back in our homes. Don’t think this is any pleasure trip we are having these days.
You spoke of Lida going away and you won’t stay home if she goes. Well alI I can say is this. All the world is mad these days and so everybody must please themselves. I went because I had too just like millions of poor fellows and can say am damn well sick of it as have heard everyone else say the same. Go everybody is my advice and be satisfied. Don’t for any reason stay because the world is all outside Arkona. All the girls are getting restless these days and every move only satisfy the mind. I only wish could show the girls of Canada the horror of London streets.
Now Madeline I have every sympathy for you and know it’s no fun in your condition. I can do nothing only advise you to go anywhere you wish and buy a car if you wish. You should be able to enjoy yourself with a nice home, music and such a pretty place in Canada. I will write Lida and your mother tonight if it does not get too dark too soon.
With the best wishes and lots of love will bid you GoodBye this time. Tell me all about your stay while in London when living in Mrs Hockin’s home. Goodbye. Your loving husband. Billie X
I had a good visit with the boys over there. Ed Crawford, S. Cornell and Bob McKie are the only Arkona boys. They are well and like the place quite well. All the boys here are well and quite a number are out at the ranges. It was a quite treat to see the boys again. They all look well and are anxious for to get away. They are tired of drilling and since they are broken up makes them rather discouraged. How I wish I was with them. There were sure glad to see their own officers again and all wished we were drilling them. Col. MacVicar, Capts Trainor, Wyksmith and Edwards are leaving this week for France and holding their rank, but are going to the Imperial Army. On arriving here was at once detailed for a Brigade Musketry course here for 1 week and then go to Aldershot for my long wanted course. I will be glad and after that I am ready for somewhere. Lieuts Woodrow, Stokes and Fyffe are going with me. I hope some more of our boys go with us for company.
While in London had the pleasure of seeing this big air raid. I was at Waterloo Station at the time and stood outside the whole time and watched them. I surely never was so lucky because was longing to see one and was waiting for the train to come here when the whole doings was on. Really it was a wonderful sight and must say was greatly interested. You will read all about it before even this letter gets away from here. I am afraid to tell you any more because of destroying this letter. I have just been warned tonight that the letters are being censored very much especially without the stamps.
Now my Dear Wife as have been worried by your letter will try and explain things to you. You spoke of the trip and the good time was having an you so lonely and poorly. I tell you am having a good time, no time is good if you really want to know. If it was not for the boys and kept busy would die. I simply got to get busy and forget things. those trips are nothing because we are always going day by day nearer to the trenches. If you were with me would enjoy it. I went to Scotland because I had the chance and I know you will not be sorry when I get home and tell you all.
Everything we do and everywhere the boys go is only to cover up the future because it’s a real rough road ahead. I ams so sorry to write the truth this time because it only makes you feel bad. My whole mind is on you and if you only take care of yourself will only please me too well. You spoke of lonesome Arkona and how quiet. I mentioned it to the boys and how we wish we were only there where it is quiet. All the people at home long to be away and we all long to be back in our homes. Don’t think this is any pleasure trip we are having these days.
You spoke of Lida going away and you won’t stay home if she goes. Well alI I can say is this. All the world is mad these days and so everybody must please themselves. I went because I had too just like millions of poor fellows and can say am damn well sick of it as have heard everyone else say the same. Go everybody is my advice and be satisfied. Don’t for any reason stay because the world is all outside Arkona. All the girls are getting restless these days and every move only satisfy the mind. I only wish could show the girls of Canada the horror of London streets.
Now Madeline I have every sympathy for you and know it’s no fun in your condition. I can do nothing only advise you to go anywhere you wish and buy a car if you wish. You should be able to enjoy yourself with a nice home, music and such a pretty place in Canada. I will write Lida and your mother tonight if it does not get too dark too soon.
With the best wishes and lots of love will bid you GoodBye this time. Tell me all about your stay while in London when living in Mrs Hockin’s home. Goodbye. Your loving husband. Billie X
__________________________________________________________________
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont Can
My Dear Wife,
Your of June 24th record tonight, also one of June 3rd. I was surely glad to get these. Both had reference of cablegrams. I am well, enjoying the fine days. Today had been most grand cool and bright. I am very busy with my musketry course and tomorrow have an exam. I will get along alright because have it down pat.
Well Dear I sincerely trust you re feeling better now. I didn’t like one yours letter one bit, but they sound better now. One of your letters was written June 13 and the next one 24th. I know you find it tiresome writing me, and especially so often. Now one thing you can do is this. Don’t write only when you feel like it. Don’t write because you promised two or three a week. Sometimes they sound quite cold, when you are forced to write, and especially when not feeling well. You spoke of Gene and Lola getting married on June 27th. I only wish you could have been there because they would be pleased. I know you will get them some present. Poor Lida has some time going to the hospital. I hope she will soon be alright. The letter was from London and you are staying at Hockins. You and Lida will have some time in London. I do hope this makes you girls more contented as it seems are very much dissatisfied with Arkona. I only wish you take a trip to the lake but must be careful. Remember what the trip once before did. Now my fatherly advice seems little or no use so will dry up. That lady in London made good time believe me. Her husband is near here in this camp.
Regards yourself would love to know the expected time and how you are getting along. You think make a good daddy well don’t build on it because you surely know I am a poor husband to begin with. Really you were a thousand times too good for me and well I know it now. When I get back will have maybe more sense. I know right well there is some trouble ahead for me because I have done wrong with you and will be punished.
Now I wrote a letter to my father last night and mailed it today. Also sent one to Geo. Northwood. I will write Donna and Aunt Emily this week. Lida will come first. I have no news tonight only a general lings of stuff. Now my Dear Wife will be pretty nice in her new summer hat. I don’t believe you like it by the way you spoke. When will the picture come I wonder. I must send you one just to show my heart is on the right side, likely next of my letters. I do hope you are enjoying yourself when this letters gets to you. I will be about through Aldershot by that time. Must close and with lots of love and kisses bid GoodBye
Your loving husband,
Billie x
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Bramshott, July 11/17
Miss Lida Lucas
Arkona, Ont, Can
Dear Sister
Your welcome letter was read sometime ago and was pleased. I am well and do hope this fins you alright again. I am sure after you have taken the treatment in London will feel much better. You will no doubt be able to sing much better than when with this trouble.
I have written all the news in Madeline’s letter and yours will be full of jokes. My wife has been pretty lonesome by her talk and really I feel so sorry she is having such a sad time. I have been putting up a good face but have lost heart lately. Well sometimes I don’t care what happens. Try and cheer Madeline up because I feel pretty blue when get such bad news. I know she feels lonesome and so does someone else.
Lida I was so glad in your letter that had decided to stay in the store until the fall. I look forward to the fall and you know Biliie is pretty uneasy. Yes Lida you stay where you are and will find out this weary feeling nowadays is all rot. The papers are full about this restless spirit of the girls. They are trying to solve the problem. The whole thing will be over soon and everything will be dull.
What about Arkona when we all come back. I will long to see my sister and the good times before the war. I have not seen Billie yet. He is down to the rifle ranges. I understand he had a slight accident some days ago. Stuck the bayonet in his cheek earning a bad mark. He seems determined to finish himself.
It’s fun to see our boys from Arkona when the mail comes in. They sure get lots of letters and feel pretty tickled too. They are all well and look dandy. Say I forgot but Gertie Lucas is angry at Madeline and I because we don’t write her. Now she is a dandy girl and must tell Madeline to write her. I will send her a card sometime. How is the conscripts in Arkona. All the girls will be able to get a soldier boy pretty soon. Well hats off to our heroes. How is Flossie J. I bet she is lonesome to see her sister and brother married. Lisa you missed one good chance I bet all the girls are sorry now. Now by the time I get bak everybody will be married and families running about.
Well Lida I am glad I was married because now I know Billie J. was looking for a wife and he was not going to Watford if he could do otherwise. What do you think? It is fund to see the officers here talking about their girls and getting lots of letters and presents. That is our crazy spelling life is when one is engaged. I skipped this part of the fun. Now Lida I do feel this letter is not up to much, but have to write so many and no news is pretty hard task. Be sure and write me when you get time. Remember I love letters and especially jolly ones. Madeline writes the lovely letters but have received one heart broken lately.
Must close and best wishes.
Your loving Brother. Billie
Remember me to all.
_____________________________________________________________
14 July 1917
Bramshott, England
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Can.
My Dear Wife,
Your loving Brother. Billie
Remember me to all.
_____________________________________________________________
14 July 1917
Bramshott, England
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Can.
My Dear Wife,
Yours of June 6th rec'd today. Was surely glad to get such a lovely letter and would ask you to forget my remarks in previous letters. i am writing this at once praying it will overtake my last letter which was written when I was discouraged. I am well and busy these days. The days are fine and quite warm.
Well Madeline I am so sorry to hear of your being so ill but glad you are now improving. I was almost by your letter of the opinion that you were not having any great happiness. One can always read between the lines little words telling something is wrong. I hope when this letter arrives you are feeling much better. Now do forgive me for writing such a letter and will try and not let occur again. I am not homesick or anything like that. i just plod along and forget everything that would make one feel blue. You must try and do the same. Always keep the home fires burning.
I leave for Aldershot on Monday and will be busy one month. Woodrow Stokes Macmillan and myself. Swift. Scott and Fyffe are staying here. Col. Macvicar, Capt Edwards and Wykesmith have left for France to the Imperial Army but will not be sent near the firing line. Majors Moncrieff and Capt Cheyne are here. Capt. Morrison is in the same place. Capt. Trainor was taken off the list and is getting rather a raw deal. They all get their dues now. Capt. Knowles has gone to flying corp. Lt. Lott is in experimental work at the flying school. They will not revert and are pulling off some funny deals.
Well Madeline they who harmed me are now getting their dose and they take it hard too. The boys are all well. Lyons and Frenchie are in hospital with slight colds, also Watts had his toe amputated. Omer has gone to a course in trench warfare. I believe Alf is now is Bexhill where I was and is taking an engineering course. The boys are doing well and look fine. Our boys did the best shots on the range made by any Bn.
Saw Mr Wyatt last night, he has received your parcels and was pleased. His nose had only a small mark and will soon be alright again. See Dad Garden the other day. Now this all the news. We are all very well fed and lots of sports such as baseball and other games. Our Bn beat them all. Billie Rose (Forest) is one of the best in this camp. Beathie is one of our happy boys and always cheerful. Pte Blackwell (Forest) had the misfortune to lose one of his little girls by drowning. Pte Skinner (Forest) lost a brother. When at Aldershot will visit Pte E. Rogers burial place. Pte Martel is well and told him to write Miss Dowding.
You spoke in your letter of no apple bloom. What no apples this year? What a smash to Arkona. No foul at your place. Well so much less work and worry. Never been out home yet and soon you won’t go at all. I forgot, got a letter the other day. So Gene and Lola are married by Mrs Smith’s talk, by now. Will answer her letter someday. I must tell you I forgot to keep numbering my letters but will try and number each months. Madeline when writing me remember and always just write with pen or pencil and on both sides of paper. i will soon be unable to write proper letter myself. Fill the paper up and don’t be so particular. We are married and no one sees our letters. Always be careful of address. Your spoke of the nervous breakdown. I saw it coming and was glad when the awful strain of going away was over with. Every day was getting worse and I was crutch to you because your patience was done. However i will suffer it all someday. you spoke of other sickness and left me to guess. Tell me all you know. I want to know. Was there anything unusual wrong? Why are you now feeling so much better by your last word? I dare not ask questions but tell me all. Yes Madeline will always look forward to the day of my return. What will meet me no one knows. You seemed so pleased to think of the future. Well I am so glad you think it is alright. i do hope all are spared to enjoy the return. I am just as much interested as you are and more. Really it’s so grand to have your mother with you now. We should e awful thankful. Am sending you my pictures and don’t show them to anyone. They are just for a joke. Who said I was bold and down-hearted.
Love to all. GoodBye this time. With the best wishes of health and lots of love to yourself.
I remain Your loving husband.
Billie x
P.S. Tell Mr Lucas to write if he finds time.
Well Madeline I am so sorry to hear of your being so ill but glad you are now improving. I was almost by your letter of the opinion that you were not having any great happiness. One can always read between the lines little words telling something is wrong. I hope when this letter arrives you are feeling much better. Now do forgive me for writing such a letter and will try and not let occur again. I am not homesick or anything like that. i just plod along and forget everything that would make one feel blue. You must try and do the same. Always keep the home fires burning.
I leave for Aldershot on Monday and will be busy one month. Woodrow Stokes Macmillan and myself. Swift. Scott and Fyffe are staying here. Col. Macvicar, Capt Edwards and Wykesmith have left for France to the Imperial Army but will not be sent near the firing line. Majors Moncrieff and Capt Cheyne are here. Capt. Morrison is in the same place. Capt. Trainor was taken off the list and is getting rather a raw deal. They all get their dues now. Capt. Knowles has gone to flying corp. Lt. Lott is in experimental work at the flying school. They will not revert and are pulling off some funny deals.
Well Madeline they who harmed me are now getting their dose and they take it hard too. The boys are all well. Lyons and Frenchie are in hospital with slight colds, also Watts had his toe amputated. Omer has gone to a course in trench warfare. I believe Alf is now is Bexhill where I was and is taking an engineering course. The boys are doing well and look fine. Our boys did the best shots on the range made by any Bn.
Saw Mr Wyatt last night, he has received your parcels and was pleased. His nose had only a small mark and will soon be alright again. See Dad Garden the other day. Now this all the news. We are all very well fed and lots of sports such as baseball and other games. Our Bn beat them all. Billie Rose (Forest) is one of the best in this camp. Beathie is one of our happy boys and always cheerful. Pte Blackwell (Forest) had the misfortune to lose one of his little girls by drowning. Pte Skinner (Forest) lost a brother. When at Aldershot will visit Pte E. Rogers burial place. Pte Martel is well and told him to write Miss Dowding.
You spoke in your letter of no apple bloom. What no apples this year? What a smash to Arkona. No foul at your place. Well so much less work and worry. Never been out home yet and soon you won’t go at all. I forgot, got a letter the other day. So Gene and Lola are married by Mrs Smith’s talk, by now. Will answer her letter someday. I must tell you I forgot to keep numbering my letters but will try and number each months. Madeline when writing me remember and always just write with pen or pencil and on both sides of paper. i will soon be unable to write proper letter myself. Fill the paper up and don’t be so particular. We are married and no one sees our letters. Always be careful of address. Your spoke of the nervous breakdown. I saw it coming and was glad when the awful strain of going away was over with. Every day was getting worse and I was crutch to you because your patience was done. However i will suffer it all someday. you spoke of other sickness and left me to guess. Tell me all you know. I want to know. Was there anything unusual wrong? Why are you now feeling so much better by your last word? I dare not ask questions but tell me all. Yes Madeline will always look forward to the day of my return. What will meet me no one knows. You seemed so pleased to think of the future. Well I am so glad you think it is alright. i do hope all are spared to enjoy the return. I am just as much interested as you are and more. Really it’s so grand to have your mother with you now. We should e awful thankful. Am sending you my pictures and don’t show them to anyone. They are just for a joke. Who said I was bold and down-hearted.
Love to all. GoodBye this time. With the best wishes of health and lots of love to yourself.
I remain Your loving husband.
Billie x
P.S. Tell Mr Lucas to write if he finds time.
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July 16th 1917
Dear brother:
Just a line to let you know that I am well. We are having a fine time here, the drill is not so hard and we are seasoned anyway. We get twice as much to eat too so there is some heart in us. I expect to be here eight weeks that is the length of the course.
All the Hertford bunch form no 6 Co and we are certainly making a name for the Canadians. The people all stand with their mouth open, they say they never saw well drilled men before. Well we ought to do it after what we have went through and then being all picked men.
I would have liked to have got back to Bramshott for the sake of getting some leave but then this is nearly as good. There no need for me to tell you anything about the place after you being here. I am seeing a lot of England being sent from one place to another. I think I am mighty lucky to get the chance to take these courses.
I am better trained now than any of the men that stayed at Bramshott so if I have to go to the front, I can’t say that I went untrained. I am going to try mighty hard to qualify here so that I can hold my stripes. By the way I suppose you do not know that I am wearing three, some swank I should say. I got a letter from home a week ago they are all well. Gene’s wedding was postponed as week and they where not married when the letter was written. Aunt Emily ditched her car too but she didn’t let hurt only frightened. Andy Ilse has a Ford too and I guess the neigbours have quite a time watching him and fret perform with it. Gene sold the Bill horse too he got $200 for him do you mind when you said I would never get that price for him. He has got the colt to take his place and I guess he works fine. I will have to close now and go and mail this letter. I am getting a new uniform here in fact I have it now it is at the tailors getting made to fit me.
I have been paid too so I am not in need of any money at the present.
Do you have to go to France soon? Let me know when you go. I you sent a very urgent letter here I might be able to get a week end leave and go and see you but unless I have a good reason, I cannot get a free pass to travel by rail. So if you would like to see me think up some excuse. Mother sick come at once or something of that sort. I will close now hoping this finds you well. I suppose you think I am a physical wreck well far from it. I haven’t much fat showing but I weigh 148 lbs that is more than I ever weighed before.
Bye Bye
Your Loving brother
Alf
Address
Serg. A C Williams
No 845559
c/o Serg Mess, CJ.S. Bexhill-on-Sea
P.S. Tell Art Omer to write give him my address
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17 July 1917
86 Victoria Road, Aldershot, England
17-1-17 [sic] [the postmark (19 July 1917) on the envelope as well as internal evidence and a letter from his brother Alf (which is dated 16 July 1917) suggest Will erred in the written date]
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario Canada
My Dear Wife,
Yours of June 27th record here today noon. Was surely pleased with it. I am well and now in Aldershot busy with my course. Today is fine and warm. Had a lovely rain yesterday. Well we left Bramshott yesterday noon arriving here in evening after around about road coming by train. We were sent to a billet instead of barracks.
The place is in the centre of the city and about 20 minutes walk from our work. We start work 8:45 and quit 12:30 then 1:55 until 4:30 P.M. We have hrs of study at home so isn’t as nice as it sounds. I hope to pass this course alright. There are three grades - Distinguished, 1st class, and 2nd class. I want the D. one but it’s almost impossible for me.
This city is the heart of the British Army at home so you may guess is some military place. Also the largest camp in the British Empire. Also large Flying school near by and a great number are to be seen almost any time of the day. We four boys were all sent to this place and is very nice so far. There is the Mother and four children. The Husband being in France. The oldest is a girl about 20 and is very entertaining. The other three are smaller. This is the only one of any use to me and of course no chance with two single officers with us. Well she is quite pretty and a lovely singer and a hundred other things but has black hair, so is not to my taste.
You spoke of having your picture taken. What’s going to happen, surely it will be nice. Be sure and sent it at once. Glad you got such a useful present for Gene and Lola. They had a nice day well and it will please them anyway. Poor Lida will be killed yet if she don’t look out. So many equations [?]. Mrs Bradley is somewhere in England I think, could not say for sure.
Will close and write soon again.
GoodBye, Your loving husband,
Love and kisses,
Billie X
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19-7-17
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario Canada
My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines tonight. Am well, awful busy writing notes these evenings. At present it is 9 P.M. and I am sitting outside writing. Yesterday we had a heavy rain. Today is fine and cool. Well Madeline it is now three o’clock at home and I suppose you are busy at home. I must tell you last night had my first real lonesome spell and went to bed and slept my troubles away. they have a piano hut and the girl is a lovely singer and it got rather too much. However, she came to my room and enquired if I was sick and was kind. I feel lonesome today, but it’s just because it makes me think of home living here.
I had a letter from Mrs Rogers asking me to see after her husband’s death. He was buried here, and will send her snaps of his grave. Had a letter from Alf today. He is in Bexhill where I was. He will be there eight weeks. He’s feeling fine and weights 148lbs. the most he ever weighed. He is a Seargent now and will be some guy yet. Luck to him. His letter was full of good cheer. I will likely mail it to you. Had a letter from Beannry [?] Flack yesterday and he is well. I forgot wrote Fullers the other day. I have no more news.
I have a nice bed and good food to eat and feel quite contented. You should like to know I weight o er 160 lbs in summer trim so not too bad. As I set outside in the year by myself it’s very quiet, and my thoughts drift home to our Canadian evenings. I’m on the long long trail and it’s a long way bak to you. Could you only picture me over here and you in Canada. Well never think of it take great care of yourself and when I come back to you will be my great pleasure. Why do I speak so much of coming back? Well because you are praying for me. With love to yourself and my best wishes. Remember me to all. Good Bye.
Your loving husband,
Billie X
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22 July 1917
86 Victoria Rd, Aldershot, England Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario, Canada
My Dear Wife,
This is Sunday afternoon and most beautiful day it is. Not a breeze and quite warm. It looks by the large clouds on the horizon if we may get rain before long. I did not get up until near noon and so am rather lazy. I awoke about 8 A.M. and hopped out and got my testament off the dresser and read for over an hour.
I feel fine these days and getting along very good with my musketry. Had an exam yesterday and done fine. Will not have any more until the close of the school. The work is easy but ok the study. I have a good instructor and we are quite friendly. He offers to help me when ever he can. I may need some help later in the course. I would love to pass out of here with the highest marks. Woodrow is in my class. Stokes and Macmillan are in another. Now this is all regards my course.
I wrote Alf this morning and will try and finish your letter this p.m. This place is very busy, so many troops here and the air is full of aeroplanes protecting of course this centre and a school just outside for training flyers.
Well have a nice place here and the people are so kind to us. The girl here is called Peggy Molay and is some girl. Of course, she knows I am a married man and so pays no attention to me. The other chaps stick around sorry to say she is engaged and their efforts are in vain. She has just tole me to tell you I am a very good boy. Well she doesn’t know me I am sure or she would not tell you that. Now Madeline this is all the this kind of talk. I will try and behave myself. Your hubby is quite contented now and your letters of late are much more comforting. I hope you will forgive me for being discouraged. I am so glad you had such a nice time while in London. your spoke of making you think of our time together last winter. I am sure I often think of them, but regret they could of not been more pleasant. however we must forget the past and look forward to the future. may the future bring happiness and blessing to us both. I look forward to the time of my return and picture what joy it will be. Should our little baby only be what we would like it to be, how happy we would both feel for the great blessing.
You say can hardly wait until this time. I should think you must really feel satisfied with yourself after all. I was so afraid you were only pleasing me. Now what ever you do take great care of yourself so you won’t disappoint me, and that you cannot blame yourself. Your Mother I know will look after my little wife and see you are careful. I suppose some people now know and will be calling me all kinds of nice names. Well I hope they don’t talk too much and if they are looking for something to do send them over here. I must say am surely disappointed in our Canadian people. I was afraid they would go to the people on conscription. It will never pass now. Well I hope they enjoy themselves at our expense.
GoodBye with Love,
Your loving husband,
Billie x
I feel fine these days and getting along very good with my musketry. Had an exam yesterday and done fine. Will not have any more until the close of the school. The work is easy but ok the study. I have a good instructor and we are quite friendly. He offers to help me when ever he can. I may need some help later in the course. I would love to pass out of here with the highest marks. Woodrow is in my class. Stokes and Macmillan are in another. Now this is all regards my course.
I wrote Alf this morning and will try and finish your letter this p.m. This place is very busy, so many troops here and the air is full of aeroplanes protecting of course this centre and a school just outside for training flyers.
Well have a nice place here and the people are so kind to us. The girl here is called Peggy Molay and is some girl. Of course, she knows I am a married man and so pays no attention to me. The other chaps stick around sorry to say she is engaged and their efforts are in vain. She has just tole me to tell you I am a very good boy. Well she doesn’t know me I am sure or she would not tell you that. Now Madeline this is all the this kind of talk. I will try and behave myself. Your hubby is quite contented now and your letters of late are much more comforting. I hope you will forgive me for being discouraged. I am so glad you had such a nice time while in London. your spoke of making you think of our time together last winter. I am sure I often think of them, but regret they could of not been more pleasant. however we must forget the past and look forward to the future. may the future bring happiness and blessing to us both. I look forward to the time of my return and picture what joy it will be. Should our little baby only be what we would like it to be, how happy we would both feel for the great blessing.
You say can hardly wait until this time. I should think you must really feel satisfied with yourself after all. I was so afraid you were only pleasing me. Now what ever you do take great care of yourself so you won’t disappoint me, and that you cannot blame yourself. Your Mother I know will look after my little wife and see you are careful. I suppose some people now know and will be calling me all kinds of nice names. Well I hope they don’t talk too much and if they are looking for something to do send them over here. I must say am surely disappointed in our Canadian people. I was afraid they would go to the people on conscription. It will never pass now. Well I hope they enjoy themselves at our expense.
GoodBye with Love,
Your loving husband,
Billie x
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25 July 1917
Aldershott, England Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Canada
My Dear Wife,
Your of June 28th and July 3rd rec’d. Was surely well pleased with those letters. I am well and do hope this finds you enjoying health. You spoke in your letter not to worry your health. Well my answer is this. I have to worry and your are the only person I can worry over. Don’t you think you are rather careless sometimes, and there are the days you will have to be awful careful.
I must thank you for those flattering remarks in one of the letters. Your hubby tries to do his best sometimes only. However I am trying my best this course. Well the one thing sounded good to me was this. I could go to France when I wanted too. I hope you never think I want to stay here all the time. I am anxious bu will never show myself away to get there. I will go when called on and perhaps will be sometime before the call comes. I might enlighten this by telling you that the 5th division is where I go and they are at Whitby. You guess the rest. I only wish could tell you the exact particulars. You asked me if any of the officers wives came over. Well no. None come over since the first of the year. Regards yourself, you can come of course anytime you feel like it. I know you are in fine shape for travelling now. Say, keep out of the autos for heaven sake (only Fords). I ams so glad your weight 110lbs. That is the both of you. Last year you weighed 103lbs. You must of seen some fellow while in London because you made an awful lot of remarks about your hubby. I hope you don’t want me to go to France so you can get someone else. Nothin doing. Little Mrs Williams and I will always keep our eye on that. Your chances are slim now. I knew how to fix things.
Well I guess will not take any chances at the front. Madeline I have no news. I was up town alone last night for the first. Went to a show. The other boys were away to some concert. I had a good laugh and I felt better today. The show was rather good. I often think something funny does one a world of good if they get too serious. You must excuse my scribbling. The pen is bad and so is the paper and I am tired out writing notes. It is now 6P.M. and will go to tea in a few minutes. After tea will copy notes for four hours. I forgot Piggy is paying little attention to me, and so I see no chances of getting tripped. Some other guy keeps coming around and our boys don’t make much headway. Goodbye, it’s supper time.
Have just finished my lunch and feel pretty much satisfied. We are well fed here, but it costs us 5s per day. I will have some funny yarns to tell when I get home about these English people and their cup of tea.
[pp IV and V missing]
Madeline I would like to know where Mr Werdmark is. Huntley and Riggs and any others. Is Bert Baldwin enlisted again. Any news like would interest me. I think the present you bought Gene and Lola would be quite nice. I hope they are pleased. So sorry unable to go to wedding. Did they have many relations or not. I suppose they went home to milk the cows for their honeymoon.
Well Madeline everybody was not so fortunate as you and I where we had such a quiet time and no work. I often think of those days. Really thew were our only happy days. Well when I return they will be forgotten as those days to me will be nothing. If the home home only has that blessing which I pray for, I can see nothing but sunshine during our days if we are so blessed. Would that you only be careful and not disappoint your husband’s expectations.
With love and best wishes. Goodbye.
Your loving hubby,
Billie x
I must thank you for those flattering remarks in one of the letters. Your hubby tries to do his best sometimes only. However I am trying my best this course. Well the one thing sounded good to me was this. I could go to France when I wanted too. I hope you never think I want to stay here all the time. I am anxious bu will never show myself away to get there. I will go when called on and perhaps will be sometime before the call comes. I might enlighten this by telling you that the 5th division is where I go and they are at Whitby. You guess the rest. I only wish could tell you the exact particulars. You asked me if any of the officers wives came over. Well no. None come over since the first of the year. Regards yourself, you can come of course anytime you feel like it. I know you are in fine shape for travelling now. Say, keep out of the autos for heaven sake (only Fords). I ams so glad your weight 110lbs. That is the both of you. Last year you weighed 103lbs. You must of seen some fellow while in London because you made an awful lot of remarks about your hubby. I hope you don’t want me to go to France so you can get someone else. Nothin doing. Little Mrs Williams and I will always keep our eye on that. Your chances are slim now. I knew how to fix things.
Well I guess will not take any chances at the front. Madeline I have no news. I was up town alone last night for the first. Went to a show. The other boys were away to some concert. I had a good laugh and I felt better today. The show was rather good. I often think something funny does one a world of good if they get too serious. You must excuse my scribbling. The pen is bad and so is the paper and I am tired out writing notes. It is now 6P.M. and will go to tea in a few minutes. After tea will copy notes for four hours. I forgot Piggy is paying little attention to me, and so I see no chances of getting tripped. Some other guy keeps coming around and our boys don’t make much headway. Goodbye, it’s supper time.
Have just finished my lunch and feel pretty much satisfied. We are well fed here, but it costs us 5s per day. I will have some funny yarns to tell when I get home about these English people and their cup of tea.
[pp IV and V missing]
Madeline I would like to know where Mr Werdmark is. Huntley and Riggs and any others. Is Bert Baldwin enlisted again. Any news like would interest me. I think the present you bought Gene and Lola would be quite nice. I hope they are pleased. So sorry unable to go to wedding. Did they have many relations or not. I suppose they went home to milk the cows for their honeymoon.
Well Madeline everybody was not so fortunate as you and I where we had such a quiet time and no work. I often think of those days. Really thew were our only happy days. Well when I return they will be forgotten as those days to me will be nothing. If the home home only has that blessing which I pray for, I can see nothing but sunshine during our days if we are so blessed. Would that you only be careful and not disappoint your husband’s expectations.
With love and best wishes. Goodbye.
Your loving hubby,
Billie x
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29 July 1917
86 Victoria Rd, Aldershot, Eng.
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario, Canada
Dear Madeline,
This afternoon will try and write your an interesting letter. Am well and feeling fine. I hope you are enjoying the best of health. This afternoon we hired a car and went over to Witley some 15 miles to see the boys. I did not see Crawford. Pat Brown had gone over to Bramshott. This is three times have hired a car to go to Whitley to see Pat. All the boys are well and looking fit. They are being drilled hard now, but stand the racket fine. Our Bn are making the others rather jealous these times. They never were to be laughed at any time. There in hopes of going to France anytime now. Some of the boys are at courses as yet. We have lots of our Yankee cousins here now. This place is quite close to one of their camps some 6 miles away. There are not very popular as yet. The Canadians are liked, the most popular over here. Have already heard the Yankees like the Canucks but have no use for any of the rest. They look rather smart and go about minding their business. Regards my course had my rifle practice and two exams already. I am holding my first class as yet. Will be though about the 10th of Aug. and will likely be sent to Seaford to the officers Reserve Bn awaiting my call for France. This will no doubt be some time yet and may be never.
Well Madeline have just finished my dinner and feel much better. Had a very good meal and hope to be comfortable until morning. Soon after our arrival at Witley it began to rain and since coming back have had rather a wet evening. Everything looks grand and the crops are very good. I enjoyed my motor ride very much and the Ford car seemed rather like old times. This country is much like at home regards Fords. The others take two much gasoline. They charge 1s per mile over here car hire.
I had a letter from Mrs A.E. Rogers (Forest), about her husband who died at this place. I will get a snap of the grave and sent it to her. He was buried close to where I take musketry. The grave is in a beautiful place and I am sure will please her when I tell her the particulars. Bill Lyons is here with diphtheria and came near quitting, also Pte Lampman (Wyoming). I will call on them before I go away. No one is allowed near them as yet. I often wonder how some fellows stand it so long in a hospital. I hope they never get me in such a place. I just dread being sent there. I get pretty lonesome sometimes now but what if couldn’t move.
Well, how is Lida getting along. Hope she will be alright by now. I hope you never have to go sick any length of time. I know last winter was always waiting for the time when you come to see me.
Madeline I am about through with my letter. Maybe this week will get some mail. All the boys here have so many wives at one place and another and they always get something. Have never a word from our people yet. I suppose they are busy and have their cares at home to think about. As the other boys smoke so much they continually get packets from home. I think I will take to cigarettes pretty soon. Everybody smokes.
Well now I must close this time and will write soon again. Tell Lida to write if she finds time. I do hope you are enjoying yourself and if anything I can send you will be pleased to do so. Will send Mrs Butler a card this week. Be sure and take care of yourself and with the best wishes and love bid
Well Madeline have just finished my dinner and feel much better. Had a very good meal and hope to be comfortable until morning. Soon after our arrival at Witley it began to rain and since coming back have had rather a wet evening. Everything looks grand and the crops are very good. I enjoyed my motor ride very much and the Ford car seemed rather like old times. This country is much like at home regards Fords. The others take two much gasoline. They charge 1s per mile over here car hire.
I had a letter from Mrs A.E. Rogers (Forest), about her husband who died at this place. I will get a snap of the grave and sent it to her. He was buried close to where I take musketry. The grave is in a beautiful place and I am sure will please her when I tell her the particulars. Bill Lyons is here with diphtheria and came near quitting, also Pte Lampman (Wyoming). I will call on them before I go away. No one is allowed near them as yet. I often wonder how some fellows stand it so long in a hospital. I hope they never get me in such a place. I just dread being sent there. I get pretty lonesome sometimes now but what if couldn’t move.
Well, how is Lida getting along. Hope she will be alright by now. I hope you never have to go sick any length of time. I know last winter was always waiting for the time when you come to see me.
Madeline I am about through with my letter. Maybe this week will get some mail. All the boys here have so many wives at one place and another and they always get something. Have never a word from our people yet. I suppose they are busy and have their cares at home to think about. As the other boys smoke so much they continually get packets from home. I think I will take to cigarettes pretty soon. Everybody smokes.
Well now I must close this time and will write soon again. Tell Lida to write if she finds time. I do hope you are enjoying yourself and if anything I can send you will be pleased to do so. Will send Mrs Butler a card this week. Be sure and take care of yourself and with the best wishes and love bid
Goodbye.
Your loving husband,
Billie x
Your loving husband,
Billie x
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