June 1917

Bexhill-on-Sea
June 1st. 1917

Mr C.W. Lucas.
Arkona Ontario Canada


Dear Sir,

Just a short letter. Am well, getting work is hard, and the hours long. The food very good. We never see sugar or potatoes anymore. The potatoes are all up and looking green and strong. I understand there is a great crop planted through out these Islands. Everybody saved and planted in case of a famine. I believe we are going through the hardest times now unless the crops fail. They depend on the outside world for their flour, and must get it somewhere, as none of any account is grown here. I have heard there are more stock (that is sheep and cattle) now than before the war. England is alive with sheep. We get mutton all the time to eat. There are very few hogs raised. Everybody is working hard and every foot of garden ground is in use. The crops look good but will likely be short as the season is late. The booze is going, getting scarce and very dear. The people here use it like it should be used and don’t get drunk like the Canadians do. They are disgusted with the way the overseas boys treat it. Well I don’t care how quick it goes, we can win the war without it. The rum I believe is a good thing for those in the trenches, who get chilled during the winter. I am unable to tell in this letter anything of interest to the enemy, should this fall into their hands. 

How is the boys in Arkona? What do they think of conscription? I honestly believe it will be defeated, but for God’s sake don’t give in. Those French Canadians are doing just what I thought they would, and with Grit votes will elect another Liberal House. Any man who votes for or with those who oppose conscription is a traitor. Borden will get the soldiers’ vote if he brings it out. Now I must not get too excited but don’t let Arkona be represented by slackers. How is the fruit prospects and the crops? Well this is lovely weather and this land is beautiful. When I return will explain more fully. I do hope Madeline is getting along well, and is enjoying herself. When I was leaving I and so much on my mind I couldn’t say anything. But I know Mrs Lucas and yourself will use her as your own, and she will be comfortable. When I get back will try and pay you for the kindness to Madeline and myself during this war. I trust everything will be alright. 

Remember me to all and will write Mrs Lucas soon also Lida. 

Your loving Son. Will.

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Bexhill-on-Sea, England
2 - 6 - 17

Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona Ontario Canada


My Dear Wife,
Yours of the 8 and 12th May received this afternoon. Believe me am a pleased man this evening. Well I am feeling fine, and especially since the letters arrived. I do hope this may please you as it has pleased me, also hope it may find you well, enjoying the best health. All the 149 officers rec’d mail this p.m. dated may 10 and 14th. They are all away visiting, and won’t be home till late in the evening. I walked about the promenade for awhile and when the mail came in went to the Metropole where I am now answering your letters. They will be well pleased tonight as they are answers to our letters. 

Today is fine and cool, strong wind. The sun is setting fine and very bright. Have had a little rain the other day and everything looks great. The sea is getting rough and white caps as far as one can see. You spoke of receiving so many letters well I would love to have written more but the news were scars and it’s very hard to write letter so many, with none to answer. There must be four letters written before these I have not gotten as yet and the parcel has not come. Now all the letters from now on from me will be numbered. This is No. 1 and you will always know how many go astray. Would that you do the same and keep record of those sent. Perhaps they will arrive in a few days. The mail service considering the squabble is very good indeed. We must have heaps of patience these days. I will try and write twice a week and if anything unusual happens it will be due to changing about. How glad all the men are to get letters. I won’t promise much, but always do a little better. 

I think there is little news for you this time. We have now four weeks in and four more to put in. I like the course very well, and am sure in great condition. I love to study, and take great initiative in all. This p.m. Major Collins of this school who is the best one on the staff told me I done well in the examination and showed me the paper with all the names on it. I was unable to see what the rest done as he only glanced over the names. I think he is great soldier and takes such an interest in anyone who shows signs to interest. Have had several talks to him. He is like a father to me. I believe the instructors are telling the Major things because he seems to know that I am working hard. The instructors that I have over me are the best in the school and I have no trouble to please them. I am lazy at Physical training but show signs of life in bayonet work. The lectures are very interesting. I must tell you how things are for dear, I have all my equipment for overseas now. The list since arriving here are all paid for - 1 sleeping bag £4 or $20. Revolver and compass £6.7s, Gloves £3. Protractors 10s. Trench coat £5. New uniform £8. and pair of shoes £2. I have sure got the best I could buy. My uniform has brass buttons and fits very good. I wish I had a snap of the load to send you. When I get a chance will mail you a picture but not until you send me yours first. After paying for subsistence and everything I will have several pounds to my credit. Soon as I get a chance will get the Bank of Montreal to credit you with maybe a $100 more. If I were you I would putt all the money in Fuller Bros. hands because it would be quite safe. Let your Father advise what to do, and if he wants to use it that will be best as bank interest is not very much. I will send home all I can so when I return will have enough to settle in a home of our own. The little wild flower alright and I put it in the testament, also the sample of your dress which I know must be beautiful. What was the paper with 80 on it for? You spoke of your dress and hat. I trust look nice and the hat as you describe I know will be becoming and match the dress. Where is the coat bought in London? Is Frances Miller married yet? You mentioned her hat. If she is married give her my best wishes. Lida has written me and that pleases me so much, as my sister-in-law I know has no love for me, as I stole her only sister, and caused her one lonesome time. I try to picture you people sending me the parcel of cake and sugar. I must thank you in advance but hope won’t fail to get it. I thought after I went away Art Muxlow would be around again, well as long as the sugar is alright I won’t care. You must of had all the family down to see you on one day. Mrs Ross is awful fussy I suppose. Mrs Jones will break her neck some of these times with that car. you say that Gene brought you some syrup, was it good or not? Well it pleases me to see the people so kind to you. The Williams and Lucas are getting pretty thick these times. Madeline always let my Father hear any news because he is no doubt lonely and he is so quiet no one seems to think he cares about his sons. 

My Dear Wife this letter is quite a mixture of news. Now one thing I am anxious about and that is yourself. Take great care of yourself and above all take lots of exercise and fresh air. Don’t let anything go without letting your Mother know. I am so glad you spoke of being contented and happy. I know you are brave and not going to let things worry you. You spoke of your sickness, and no one knows how anxious until that time has arrived. I am to blame and I pray to God to protect you and make you one happy Mother, then our love will be complete. I try to picture my return to Canada and what will meet me, but as you say the same, disappointment. Now we will take things as God gives and be satisfied. He will not harm those, nor take away who ask for and are given. Your letters are so dear to me, and just as we were together they tell me the love between us. I was filled with joy and sorrow both when I read your letters over and over. Remember this I am not homesick nor afraid of the battles, but one cannot help but think of his Dear Wife at home. My advice to you is this. If everybody on earth knows your trouble, don’t hide yourself or feel ashamed. your only what God intended, and not as other people see. 

I will close and wish you the best of health and love to yourself. 

GoodBye, Your loving husband, Will x

P.S. Will write Alf and the boys to send me their numbers. Tell Alf to write you in my letter.

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8 June 1917

Bexhill, England


Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario No. 2


My Dear Wife,

Yours of the 7th and also parcel arrived yesterday noon. Today yours of the April 30th and Lida’s of the 6th arrived. Words can not tell how pleased I was with them. I am well and never felt better in my life. I hope this letter may find you enjoying better health than in the past, really the one worry of my life is your health. Will you for my sake try and do everything you possibly can to be healthy and strong. There is one thing I feel to blame for it all and will surely suffer. 

Today is fine and warm. Have had some lovely rains of late and everything looks grand. All the boys got a bunch of letters and parcels. I think we are so well used really the way some boys act shouldn’t get them. I think the people at home are surely doing their bit this way. I can only thank you for them and must say it’s mighty nice to have a little wife to think of. The pail was in good condition only the bottom was nearly out. The most welcome thing was those socks and put them on at once. They fit complete in everyway. The cake was fresh and certainly tasted like more. All the sweets were delicious. I am sure the folks had a great time packing them. The old maid sister with her little notes made one pleasant affair, and enjoyed everything so much. The letter contained so many news and were very interesting. 

I am sort of angry tonight after reading that you never rec’d my cable. I paid 4s. and 6d. for these words. All well. Inform Forest, Thedford, Love Williams. I thought this would be all over at once and relieved the people fearing they would hear of our accident. Never think for a minute that I didn’t get this off at once. March 8th. In the segregation camp though boys were unable to send any cables and the officers gone one of the crowd to send the whole bunch. I blame Trainor for this. Everybody has it in for him. Remember dear they are getting just what I expected. I am climbing by them now, and they all know it too. 

The 149 are looking rather sick these days and two of them are used with sprained limbs. Two have been marked back and I am up in the top list. I tell you it makes one feel proud to have the whole force here praising one. The Duke of Connaught was here today and had an inspection also lunch with us. I was one of those picked out to give an exhibition of bayonet fighting and was the No. 1 man and passed beside the Duke. We were greatly praised. Believe me if the people of Arkona see what I went through they would be surprised. In three more weeks with the best instructors in the school, I hope to show more strength and activity. We have had so many big guns here to see us and tomorrow we expect one of the big chiefs. This is the second school held in this place and all the imperial guys come to see how it’s run. It all looks good and sounds good but when one sweats until he never has dry clothes it is another story. Those stockings are well soaked now. I change my clothes twice and three times a day. No Huns ever worked like we do and no other school either. Hope to have good report when come back to Canada. Met Mr Kriso last night. He is going to France soon. He has been in England waiting a chance since last August. E. Showler is flying in France. I understand Lt Fred Brown is flying some and Lt Lott will no doubt be soon. They will not go to France for sometime yet. Had a letter from Martelle the other day and he is back with the rest of the 149, also Pte Berry, Pte A.E. Rogers died some time ago at Aldershott. I wrote Mrs Rogers a letter and hope it may comfort her. He has a large family of perhaps six children. He was a good fellow and I felt pretty blue when on emote of my boys was taken. I believe Alf is in Hertford taking a course. I hear about half the 149 are drafted to 161st Bn at Witley. It seems awful to see our men all sent about, all due to the officers being no good. Will try and get their numbers soon. 

You spoke of Frances and Reid in their home. Well the clippings came today and told so many tales of woe. Really the shocks were terrible. Miss Skillen in particular. Now dear I am so glad they are married as I know they will never be old maids on my account. I know you feel blue because you have no home, but just wait ours will be brighter than any, and of course Reid Crawford could not enlist. Never feel hurt because your husband is at war. You will enjoy more than they some day. Someday soon will send Reid and Frances a card, also Mr and Mrs Porter. You mention it to them. I will write the old maid sister on Sunday. Her letter as dandy. Yours was a rather discouraged letter, and only wish I could meet you and cheer you up. Poor sick girl, I feel just terrible and almost wish sometimes that I deserve to be killed. I know you forgive me but that only natural for you. Well I will pray for you as long as I live and hope and pray that all will be well. I don’t seem able to make my letters cheerful but on Sunday will try and do better. I wrote a letter last night and forgot to mail it so wrote another instead since getting the other letters. All your letters will come alright. 

Goodbye, your Loving Husband Billie x 
Remember me to all.

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Bexhill England 10/6/17

Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Canada


My Dear Wife,

This afternoon will try and write you a few interesting pages. I am well and enjoying myself and hope this letter may find you the same. Today is rather warm, but quite cloudy and has appearance of rain. 

I was to church as usual, and had a very good sermon. The hymns were quite old tunes and the boys sang well. After church parade went down on the promenade and fooled in the time until noon. 1PM. Had a little fun with a baby boy who is 2 or 3 yrs old and full of mischief. He attracted a great deal of attention from all the officers who were present. Had a little talk to a young lady who I suppose was single but likely someone else’s property. She was rather pleasant Madeline. I am getting desperate over here, have spoken to five or six of the opposite sex, couldn’t tell you who they were because have never had an introduction since coming to England. Well they always ask me if I am lonesome over here, and if married and any children. They pull my leg first thing and then I am finished. There seems no use of trying to pose as a single man because would surely get caught. 

Now have met several old gentlemen who were fine old chaps, but none ever ask me to their home. By Jove times must be hard here, because they feel so pinched over the food. Englishmen sure like a good stomach full and it’s impossible to get it unless they boil the lawn clippings to make greens. If those unfortunate conscripts from Canada ever get over here they will never chew the rag about the meals at home again. Our meals are very good just at present, but remember the soldiers get more than the civilians. My belt is just six inches closed up to what it was in Canada. One never gets a chance to make a glutton over here. Nevertheless I heel fine, and firmly believe the people eat too much in days past. 

Madeline I have little news to tell as our work is much the same day after day and yesterday had a British general inspect us and I was one who had to go through that final assault with the bayonet. He spoke very highly of our excellent showing, also of the smart appearance of the Canucks. Have no word from Ethan or Torrington and wonder if they are alright. The boys have had desperate fighting of late. We can hear the guns at Ypres quite plain when the calm is on. It is 100 miles from here. They heard the big mines in London 140 miles away. I tell you it’s some noise 450 tons of explosives at once. They recorded the shock on the Isle of Wight where all the earthquake shocks are noted. I met a fellow where who knows all the boys in the 1st Bn. Hope they send me to the 1st or 18th as I would like to meet some of this I once knew. I don’t expect to go with any of our own boys now. I get pretty anxious to get across but honest will not push my self for your sake. I know that you want me to come back. If I’m spared, and see my wife and the little stranger you spoke about. [rest of letter missing]

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10 June 1917

Bexhill, England


Miss Lida Lucas
Arkona, Ont. Canada


Dear Sister,

Your welcome letter was rec’d. Many thanks and also those gifts which you sent. They were all useful. The whisky killers have no need for as yet, the soap will be very useful. I tell you it’s nice to have a wife and a sister-in-law. I wonder if hadn’t got married would you send me things. I suppose it would be Elva Fuller would be looking after me. But I was a poor Methodist as you know and would likely fared (?) small. I feel pretty proud of my sister-in-law, and hope you always try and use me as your brother. I feel pretty blue sometimes over here, but everybody is blue these days even at home. When the boys come back we will make Arkona wake up. Remember Lida everywhere is alike. It’s awful over here, no one left and everybody keeps cheerful. When I get back we will get a car and you can run it all you like. 

You spoke of quitting Fullers. I feel so sorry but there is no use staying if you don’t like the work. Regards nursing, you will no doubt like this work, but I hate to see you away for years slaving your live out among all kinds of people. When the war is over and we get back times will be brighter and nursing will have lost its cause. This is the most expensive time in the world to live and will cost so much. If you should go will do all we can to help you. But God will tell you what to do and lead you. I always asked for his help and know that his hand guided me always. Your letter was so cheerful and you spoke of Mrs Wm Bather and my old friend Mis McMillan. I hope Mrs Bather’s health is good again and tell her will write her letter sometime soon. Tell my old girl she need not be surprised at me being in England. I really believe some people to yet think I never signed to go overseas. Do you you hear from Billie anymore? I bet he longs for that great day to come. I bet he don’t get her. Slow and steady wins the race don’t it Lida? When I come back will bring some hero and no cold footed civilian. 

How do the boys like conscription talk? Where will Dan D go next? Likely to Mexico. Well I don’t think we will get conscription in Canada and they will chase all the deserters out of the U.S. My God wouldn’t I like to see those guys in a Yankee uniform. They would be real heroes wouldn’t they? These are the last days when everybody shakes with fear. 

Well Lida I hope you nurse my wife and when I come back will be good and strong. I know you will be a good help to her and keep her from getting discouraged. I will never forget you and will surely pay in some way for your great kindness. Believe me I am worried and if only know she is in the best hands in the world. Your Mother cannot be beat I know.

_________________________________________________________________


Bexhill. England 13/6/17

Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona Ont Can.


My Dear Wife, 

Yours of the 17 and 3rd of May rec’d and was so pleased to get them. I believe this is all the back mail now. I am well and trust this finds you in the best of health. Today is very fair and warm. Have only frequent showers and we only drilled once with rain coats on. Everything is growing nicely, and the gardens are good. The potatoes loo grand and I think this year we will have lots. All we want is a great wheat crop. 

Well Dear we will win this war or know the reason why. We had an examination today and I done alright again. One course is slackening up, and will be through 2.00pm June 30th. Tomorrow Gen Turner of the Canadian Forces visits us, and the next day Gen. Mirshing [?] of the W.A. Army also his staff inspect us.[note] I am one of those to demonstrate bayonet fighting before these visitors. I hope they enjoy it because the sweat and blood don’t bother them. 

Well Madeline this is a great course and no one can put it over me now. All I can do is forget the past and the future is is where to aim at. This was the one thing I wanted and can always say had a course in England in the best school in the world. Tomorrow will be one year of married life, and without any doubt was the best year in my life. The awful difficulties that marked it all the way through, marred it from being what it might of been. Had there been no war and we had our own home no one could ever imagine how happy it would of been. But there is a day coming which will surpass it all, and that is the day I come home again. I will be the only married man from Arkona who will have that honour and hope no other will ever have to. Just to think you and I share the same as the greatest men in the world. We are undergoing the awful ordeal of being separated in less than one year, and maybe never to meet again. Remember only brave and good people. Strong and courageous put their shoulder against the wheel of time. 

Now I hope Dear you continue until my return in the hove [?] manner which you have set out to go. I trust my way shall be one of great experience and the road bends me home to you. The future is one of pleasant thoughts for me. Just a pause comes should anything happen. I hope and trust our little stranger will be perfect and God’s wish that it should be so. We are absolutely powerless with regard this, and the only way is to pray and trust in God. I am far away can do nothing. You can be careful and happy. Madeline this experience is what I wished for and makes one great. You are helping to make it too. I hope Providence takes hold and show me the way to go. Don’t think I am gone insane or the like. There are new days coming and great men are needed. I hope to be one of these men and your part will be no small one either. I must keep my feelings hidden because this is no place to get lonesome when so many are compelled to stand it so long. 

The other day a destroyer towed a sub in here and beached it. The next day a British flag and a new number changed her looks. She is now helping us. There are many incidents happen here. Today the Huns are on another tour over here. They hit Old London about noon. I hear quite a number had their wings broken and came down to feed on us. Well good luck to them. I have every respect for brave people, but damn a coward. won’t the Yankees sneeze when they smell gas. They may never get a chance something tells me the Huns will put up their hands before winter. The old bear was only wounded and not killed. Russia will be back when she survives. It was too bad the Canucks had not the honour of taking Messines after holding it so long. But the Irish had little praise so far so they give them a chance. 

Lida spoke of Herb McChisney’s death. Yes, he went to school with me for years and also was in Arkona for a over a year while I was there. It certainly was sad. Nothing done a life wasted. He may just as well have been here. It is now 9 pm. Mr Cheyne and I will go down for a walk. He is a married man like myself and we get rather sympathetic. There is no news from anyone only my cousin in London who wrote me yesterday. Alf has not been on leave yet. 

Madeline, tell me all the news and how you are getting along. Remember me to all and I wish your health be improved also that this year of yours be much happier than last year. Tell Lida to write any time. When I get back to camp we’ll be able to answer many. 

Good-bye. Your loving husband. Billie X 


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Bexhill, England June 17. 1917

Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario, Canada


Dear Madeline,

Take much pleasure in writing you this afternoon. I am well and enjoying myself. I hope this letter may find you in the best of health, and also enjoying these lovely days. The weather is most grand warm and bright. To those who know they claim can never remember of such beautiful weather as we have had for some weeks back. The crops by reports were never better and what I have seen are very good. Everything just now is so green, and showers keep them growing. We are weeks ahead of home. Had new potatoes here now, and nearly all the gardens stuff is being used. Strawberries are excellent and been on the market for two weeks or more. All small fruits will soon be ready to market. The cherries are nearly grown. There are no apple orchards in this district, only small fruits. 

Now I must tell you Madeline the people are are very particular in their neatness and tidiness around the homes. They simply have the most beautiful flowers and shrubs. Well we live in too cold a country and of course cannot expect the same. You will see some of these ideas and plans put into use when I get home. One can learn lots of things from these people and any country. Don’t think I am gone on this country because it’s not all alike. This place is a regular summer resort, and must expect pretty place. The boys all like it here, and we will like it here, and we will feel sorry to quit when our course is through. We all go in the sea bathing. Soon as we get through parade everybody goes and gets on his suit, and doubles into the water. When the tide is in we only go a few yards from the hotel, but when the tide is out it is quite a ways. The tide is a remarkable thing and comes in twice in twenty four hours, always a little later, and keeps pace with the moon. If I should tell you thousands bath here heavily would not be out. The water is full along the beach for a mile or more. From daylight until dark. The beach is sandy and so smooth. Now I must tell you the salt water is not pleasant to get in your mouth but so much easier to swim in. The water is much more strengthening than fresh. The boating is not so popular, but in the evening many go out in small row boats. They have one here called Madeline, and often I think it would be a much more safer boat than the others.. Now this is only my idea of it. Likely other people are afraid to go into it. What do you think about it? If I was home now, would have been to the lake before this. Billie will never be so silly when he gets back and I don’t care what people think of me anymore. I am going to well please myself what I say and do. Really I make live [sic] a nuisance. They feed us so much strong food and the condition I am in could knock the daylights out of everybody who contradict anything I say. Excuse my boasting, but you wouldn’t know your hubby in some ways. It wouldn’t be safe for you to meet me now because have a fighting spirit and getting rather devilish. 

Now Madeline I wrote everything about things here so when I get melancholy fits the letter won’t be so blue all the way through. I tried several times to write today but it would only been tiresome to read it, so now if these few lines get blue it’s only a brief spell. Your cablegram arrived Friday afternoon and was surely pleased to get it. I hope you rec’d mine alright on Thursday. I sent it from here Thursday 7PM That would be 1PM at home. Let me know when you rec’d it. Our time is about six hours ahead of yours. Remember our daylight saving makes a difference. The sun sets here at 9PM just at present. I always picture when I go to bed you getting ready for supper. When I am busy at physical training you are sleeping the soundest. 

Well Dear the 14th was a bight day for me and felt quite happy. Glad I was married and behaving myself. The day seemed so much like the one a year ago and only seemed yesterday to me. I hope you were happy too. I often think of the days gone by because when one is away from home these things come to him. I feel more contented now and hope you are getting over the lonesome time. I shall never forget you may well know, but time makes one look forward and not back. I won’t write anymore sad stuff. 

How is Lida getting alone in the store. I suppose Frances and Reid have their relations to see them. the wedding made me laugh the same old story of a little chick. By Jove don’t get like them. I bet Frances has had awful shocks before this. She won’t wobble up the aisle anymore putting on agony imaginably in her own little home. Excuse me I should have written this letter a little sooner, and to waited until I felt too funny. Don’t think I would be drunk first because I say a few comical things. Mr and Mrs H.Y. Williams and young Harry were to see you before this no doubt. 

Is the baby growing or getting more stirring? I should like to see a few snaps of any one at your home. Tell Lida to send some. They are the only things I could take to the front with me. You have no idea how they would please me. Madeline yours will soon be here, and so will Xmas. I hope you only send me some snaps too. Then I will show you some what I look like in my new uniform. Have had none taken as yet, but will when you send me yours.

Must close. Remember me to all and excuse the bad writing as Stokes is writing on the other side of the table and we make it shake. 

Lots of love. Goodbye. 

Your loving husband. Billie

____________________________________________________________

20 June 1917

Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Canada 6


My Dear Wife,

Rec’d three letters from you, also one from Lida. Yours was of May 17th, 24th and 28th. Well I was surely pleased with them, and often wish could get them more steady and often. I am well and enjoying myself. Hope this finds you enjoying the best of health. This is Wednesday evening at 7P.M. and have just come up from mess. Had a good dinner and the band played some lovely music. 

Today we were out on an attack and when we came in about 4:30P.M we all hiked for the sea. Were pretty warm and dirty. I tell you the bathing was a sight, only 500 all told. We have some trip in the country everyday and take our lunch with us. I enjoy the trips and we see some great sights. The crops look good and the potatoes are in bloom and look extra good. I see a field of oats in full head. The wheat is turning ripe and some has has been harvested. I tis raining quite steady this evening and will do wonders of good. I walked to Hastings the other evening only 4 miles and came back on a tram car. Have seen most all the places close around here. I intend to go to see where the Battle of Hastings was fought. Will go with some of the boys on Sunday. Tomorrow we have field sports and afternoon off. I never train for any of those events, but know the broad jump is easy to me. I played one game of football and made one goal. They coax me to play tomorrow but nothing doing. I would rather be killed in France. You spoke of Ethan in hospital. I wrote him three letters and rec’d no word. I only knew where he was. Try and find out if you can. Perhaps he will write me soon. Alf has never written me only a card. I know he is too busy to bother writing me often. Have no word of McGibbons death, but it may be correct. I have no word from any of the boys lately as they are not sure of my whereabouts. We all get careless over here. There are so many thinks [sic] happen and everybody looks out for himself. Soon as I get back to Reserve Bn will get all the news. We hear the guns in France all day long and they sure make one awful noise. Sometimes they shake the windows here, only one hundred miles from here. It won’t sound so bad close up. 

Must close and write tomorrow. 

Goodbye, Your loving husband Billie.
P.S. I have a map to draw before dark and won’t get it done. B

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21 June 1917

Bexhill

Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona Ont Can


My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines this evening. Am well, have been out to the sports this afternoon, and they were good. Lieut Scott won two prizes. Capt Kerr won the 110 yards. This is the champion sprinter of the world at one time. The broad jump was 19ft 5in. I tell you this war brings out some good men. The training makes them the best. I only wish you could have seen the many events pulled off. There were thousands at the park, mostly women of course, as they are the only people here. The men are all away to the war. 

Was out all forenoon on a road reconnaissance and had a fine walk. Returned at noon. Well those letters of yours were nice and last night refused to write about them. Your picture was just fine and pleased to get it. I keep it in my cash book so will be nice and clean. You spoke of the baby show at your place. I am sure you have some time with kids. Is Harry’s baby getting better looking, and his he spunky? I do hope he doesn’t take after his Uncle Bill. What kind of an auto is Harry running, the same one I suppose. 

Well by the time you get this letter you will have been out to my home. How is Mrs Ross getting along at our place? Father and Gene will be busy these days. Am so glad Gene is home for company. Mrs Jones she is likely living alone. I feel so sorry for her but she would rather live alone some times for the sake of running he own show. I am afraid Henry and her will get into a mix up. Any word of Gene and Lola going to get married? I hope he only waits until after the war for Lola’s sake. Likely one more of the boys will have to shoulder the gun before this scrap is over. 

These days we read of conscription in Canada and it makes me wild. I hope God forgives them for they’re being traitors. Well they can suit themselves if they don’t help us, we can fight it out anyway. If I was only in my civvies wouldn’t I tell some of those grits a thing or two, but we must keep quiet just now. I don’t think will go to Scotland as it will cost me too much, just now. We get 7 days leave but will go back to my unit. I had all of London I wanted the other time. We will likely be here until July 4th. The King and Queen are to see us on July 2nd. I would love to see them visit us chaps. You will hear of this school from me as long as I live. This class is the best ever held in England. I have done well to make it such. 

Must close now, and will try and write often. Be sure and take great care of yourself and tell me all. Remember me to all. Tell Mother will write at once and almost afraid to. 

Love to all and lots to yourself. Your loving husband Billie x

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Wellington Hill, England
June 26th 1917


Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont, Can


My Dear Wife,

Just a little lingo of what we have done the last two days. Yesterday got up at 5 A.M. fixed up and breakfast at 7 A.M. At 8 A.M. marched away on one hike with full pack. At 12 noon we halted for lunch after covering some ten miles. Afternoons 1 P.M. continued our hike and at 4 P.M. halted for the night 18 miles. I was on advance guard and went over 20 miles. The advance guard took up an outpost beyond the force about two miles and about 8 P.M. record orders to return to the main body. We arrived back 8:50 and believe me tired and hungry. This was my first trip with pack and walked the limit as far as marching is concerned. One thing I do know that can stand a day walk as good as anyone. It was so hot the sweat soaked the clothes completely. We all lay in a field for the night. I was too tired to sleep and could feel the pack all night on my shoulders. During the evening the boys enjoyed themselves singing and playing stunts. All told good time.

Tuesday.
Reveille. 6 A.M. Breakfast 6 A.M. We marched out 7 A.M. and took up a position for an attack. A force larger than ours came out from Seaforth and attacked. We scrapped until near noon and I think we broke even. the Place where we mixed was very high hills and certainly hard work. Noon we had a nice lunch and some hot tea to drink. Afternoon we had a rest and went up the to the village about 1 mile away. There are several small places near here and we had from 1 to 5 P.M. to leave camp and visit them. 5:35 P.M. had a little skilly and now we are all in a small field playing games and others writing letters. The noise so fierce over a game of ball. The sun is setting behind a wood and we are in a shady place behind some hills. I think the country out such is grand and some of the sights will never forget. I cannot tell any more of the military thing near here. We leave in the morning back to Bexhill and will only have 18 miles to go. I will be on the road all the way so will be easy. The weather is grand and clear, no rain. I might say the evenings are cool and sleep rather chilly.

Had a letter from Alf and he is well and getting on fine. He says this was the fourth letter to me, so the other ones are somewhere in England. He had quite a lingo from home and said Gene and Lola was married on the 20th of June. Now I am not sure so dare not send a cable. Gene gets them some present for their wedding and tell them it was a surprise to me. Give them my best wishes.

Prices of things at home are very high by his letter. Alf says he passed the exams easy so far and will be through July 9th. He wants me to go to Scotland but will not this time. He spoke of presents and seems everybody looks after him. I am so glad he is popular with folks at home. I only wish all the boys were the same.

Wednesday
Have arrived back to Bexhill and feel pretty good considering the hike. We had a shower of rain in the night and all had a damp time. At 5 A.M. we got up and fixed up Breakfast 6 A.M. and at 7 was on our way home. We walked very fast and at 2 P.M. was home. 7 hrs walk and no rest just a lunch on our haversack.

Well the boys were pretty tired and sick of th trip. I rather enjoyed it only over 17 miles was too much so about half a day. Had a letter from Alf dated May 31st on arrival here. He is getting along fine and will pass easy. I will soon go to dinner 6 P.M. and go to bed early this evening. Today is warm and very still. I must close this letter. Excuse paper this is my field message book.

Goodbye.

Billie X

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28 June 1917

Bexhill, England


Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont Can


My Dear Wife,

Just a few lines this evening. Am well, only rather tired yet after our long trek. Today has been stuffy and this evening rain in falling quite steady. Well let it rain, it’s just what the crops want. The hay is being harvested and looks good. All the crops are good, have heard they are extra. What I have seen in miles of my travels in the south are looking grand. The gardens are the best they ever were. 

We have had an easy day and glad too as I was awful tired. Saw my papers and passed everything all with good marks. I hope I go to Aldershott when I get back to Bramshott. I would love my musketry before going to France. Soon as report back will put in application if any chance. Mr Scott and I hare the only ones not going on leave. I have no money to waste these days as will be buying a small car in the fall. No more runabouts for us. Only a two seater be of any use after this. 

Well Dear don’t think I am making fun, but it’s never the less quite true. I hope all goes well and don’t be afraid to write me all I dare not write much because Lida likely reads the letters and she will think me rude. How is my sister anyway? Now don’t build too much on the future, just take things steady. I would love to know my future but I mustn’t even think about it for fear of feeling blue. I suppose you will be only going out after dark now, and Lida and your Mother will be fairly shocked at your presence in the kitchen. Well Madeline they can’t talk. I bet they tease you but don’t care a word. Now I know they are good to you but I suppose pride tumbles a little. It must fall as well I know. 

Best of love and wishes to you and remembrance to all. Your loving hubby Billie X


P.S. Give my best wishes to Gene and Lola and a kiss if you wish. x


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