Somewhere in France
March 3rd, 1918
My dear Wife,
Sunday 5 P.M. Have just ret’d from visiting some of our boys who are in billets close by. Schroeder and Martelle are both in learning signalling. Went to church service held in our lines 2 P.M. The chaplain was a very good speaker, and all enjoyed the service.
Well Madeline I started my new job today and went quite steady, as it will take some time to get things going right to suit myself anyway. I expect to have plenty of work and worry for a while, as it’s a large transport and hard to handle. I am in good shape and determined to master it very soon. Will tell more in my next letter. I have not news to tell, and hope you will forgive this time, as I am full of horses and mules these days.
Hope yourself and baby are well. Send me a snap of yourselves.
With love and kisses to yourself and baby.
Your loving husband, Will xx
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Addressed: “À Madame W.A. Williams” [all handwritten on lined paper]
Paris, March 5, 1918
Madame,
We have the honor to inform you that we addressed to you to-day by parcel post, the articles chosen in our shops.
We hope that you will receive them in good shape and that they will give you complete satisfaction.
Be so kind as to accept Madame, our compliments.
(Signed) A Director (of the shop)
I, too, hope they reach you safely. AA.
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Somewhere in France, March 18th, 1918
My dear Wife,
Have just rec’d your letters of Jan 29th, Feb 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17 and 19th. also 2 letters from Lida and 1 each from Charlie and Arnold. How pleased I was after such a long wait. This is my only letter since the 10th have been moving all week and no chance to drop a line to my wife.
I am now settled down for a short rest and will try and do more writing. I am real well, and getting along the best at my new job. It’s no easy task handling such a large transport as ours. The place we are in is small and very quiet, something like our own village. I have the transport billeted all over the villa.
The weather is fine real spring like, seeding is going on and all the buds are coming out fast on the trees. Really Madeline it is very near like May in Canada. We all enjoy the days so much, and also the rest.
I have no news about many of our boys. Have run on to Ethan Bates and had a dandy visit. He is real well and has changed. He is quite a big fellow and rather steady and careful. Mrs Bates will be proud of her boy when his soldiering days are over in this war. It takes the best of our boys to fight for those at home.
Had a letter from Alf today and he says Jackson and Thomas are in England, also Ex Lieut Jack White from Forest. How thankful I am now that I came when the rest did. Glad you feel satisfied that I did the right thing.
Madeline you surely are pleased over our wee baby. By your letters you seem to have your whole mind taken up with our little daughter. How it pleases me to see you so happy, and the praise of her goodness and also being so much liked by her grandparents and all. I would love to see the little darling, but Madeline surely the time will come when it will all be over. Tell me all in your letters and send me those pictures. Why do all the people say the baby looks like me? Is she good looking or not? I hope those things arrive which was sent while on leave.
Ed. Crawford is now in France and some more of our boys. Let me give you warning. Our boys are piling in the trenches one by one, someone will have to stay in France. Remember Madeline Arkona cannot expect to get all her boys back. I do pray that it may be possible to spare us all. Never worry about any of our brave boys and always cheer somebody’s mother if you get a chance to do so. I am very cheerful all the time and money couldn’t be produced to take me out of this war. Would love to be in the line all the time if could stand the strain. Wish could win what Mr Wheable has won. I think Madeline it was the Military cross and not the Victoria as you mentioned. I know nearly all the V.C.s and never heard of his name. Maybe my chance will come sometime soon. Alf is now a Corp and is Act. Sgt in a new battalion in England.
I must close my letter and go to bed very soon. Will write the boys and Lida tomorrow night. Mrs Smith London sent me a nice parcel and enjoyed the contents contained therein. Madeline cannot say any more in this letter. Just give that little darling of ours my love and about yourself a good share too.
Bye. Bye.
Your loving husband, Will xx
P.S. Forgive me for this long delay in writing. I know you live on my letters. W.
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In the Field, France, 24 — 3 — 18
My dear Wife,
This is my only letter for another week. You will forgive me. How sorry I feel to think cannot write my wife more often. I am well, only dead done out, and absolutely all in. Never worked so hard in my life, and no sleep or rest for days. Will tell you what’s up when I get home, and why I could not write you.
The weather is warm and dry just now, but we have had some rain lately. We have no mail for days, but soon as things settle down will likely get some. Hope you are well and getting along the best. Eileen will be some pretty baby by now. I have no news, soon as can find time will write you. Don’t worry over things as everything is alright. I must close.
Love and kisses to yourself and Baby.
Your loving husband, Will xx
P.S. Cannot finish this page as I am too tired and sleepy. Bye Bye, Will.
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In the Field, France
March 31st, 1918
My dear Wife,
Once more I have the pleasure of writing you. This is Easter Day and my last note to you was one week ago. I am still alive as you understand and well. Have not gained any weight the last few weeks as have been taking exercise.
Well, not mail yet from Canada and no known when it will find us gipsys [sic] as we move considerably. Now Madeline don’t worry over me these troublesome days as I am in the best of spirits, and enjoying the rough times. Don’t let the papers worry you, we are still on earth, and waiting our turn to come. How I wish you could see me, and hear the yarns of the last few days.
How is Eileen getting along, bet she is some cute baby. Were you over with Lida to Ann Arbor? I guess you were. Hope you had a good time and that Lida is getting along alright. I must write her, if I ever get a minute. I have been unable to get any letters written, or mailed for days, and may soon improve. I know you will feel anxious because no letters come, but when I tell you what we have been doing you will well feel proud of your old hubby. I have not been undressed for days, and was five days and nights without sleep. I will say no more until my return. The Huns are no bon.
The weather has been fine but raining some of late. The boys are all well so far. Akron must take things as they come from now on. Madeline be cheerful, and don’t let people feel blue.
Now, over one year has passed and we are still looking for the day when we will meet. The time has passed quickly and will soon come around. I feel so confident the war will soon end, and in our favor. Remember I have not lost heart, nor ever will.
Will close now, and get some rest. I am thinking of you always and that dear little baby.
Bye Bye for tonight.
Your loving husband, Will xx
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