May 1916

Forest May 10, 1916

Miss Madeline Lucas

Arkona, Ontario

Dear Madeline,

How are you getting along these days. Hope you will not be too busy to enjoy yourself. I am well and today Capt James our Battalion Dr. came here and he vaccinated all the boys, so I have a bad arm tonight. I was so afraid it would hurt but I never felt it whatever. Two of the boys fainted but the rest are O.K. Just wait a few days and there will no doubt be some sore arms. The other officers here refused to be done until we go to London. I only hope I pull around quick as this is a busy time. Sometimes it takes a day before one feels the results.

Capt. Brown received word today to go to London Monday and no doubt Capt. Murrison or myself will be in charge of parade to Thedford & Arkona. I sincerely hope Capt. Murrison takes command. Huntley reported today and rec’d his medicine too. Oh say I told Capt Duffield yesterday I was going down the road to put a bill in the blacksmith’s shop and he thought it a funny shop where the car stopped. When we arrived home I then went out to a farm 7 miles out and signed up another recruit. Perhaps will get one more right at home. This is awful backward for seeding.

I trust your father finished his one field at the barn. Madeline I forgot but yesterday soon as I arrived home Mr Young rec’d a letter from Stella and he at once called me out and told me about going to get married. Before 10 minutes he had hired a motor cycle and left for the Ark. He called up this morning and of course I let him stay there. He will have to push his way back. Billy never gets caught like this, does he? Now he has it bad or else there is something wrong. He will be awful wise when he comes back and I hope he has a good stay. Youngster should be kept at home.

I phoned to George’s tonight. But Baldwin is closed in here with measles. I was to see him tonight and he is getting along fine. Also rec’d telegram uniform will be here tomorrow, was shipped astray. Now I happen to have no news of interest so will close with these few scribbled lines.

GoodBye, Will

P.S. Will be down to Arkona perhaps Friday evening and will call if possible. W.A.W. 

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Sarnia, Ontario, May 28 - 16

Miss Madeline G. Lucas

Arkona, Ontario

Dear Madeline,

Just a few pages tonight with a dull pencil. Am well and trust you are the same. This has been one beautiful day and believe me many times wished you were here. How many times this week I wished you could of seen the 149 Bn.

This has been a very busy week and have been so busy could never get a minute to drop my dear friend a card. However this will likely be the case so many times and no one knows how good my intentions were. It must be so lonesome for you and to wait so long for a letter from me. Today I have been orderly officer and will not be off duty till 12 tonight. Everything is boxed up and this is some paper I found in the orderly room and I will make use of it to be sure. 

This is one busy place and believe me some soldiers here. The 149 is getting lots of comments. No end of parades and cheers all the time. The 149 is sure a fine bunch of men and a credit to Lambton County.

Say Madeline I missed you at Forest but Lyda and Irene kept me straight. Did Lyda explain things to you? I only hope you were not angry. I was glad I am to be married soon because i have so many friends I could sure get in wrong by now if things were not arranged. I am getting careless now and I feel easy for one in my life. My dear girl I only hope you feel as happy as I do.

I must close now as I have to go. Lieut. Towse is there for me to visit B. Coy. I only wish I had time to write a nice letter but it no use. Will enclose our church service today, keep it for me. Will mail this on the way to City Hall.

GoodBye and write me. London

Your dear friend

Capt. W.A. Williams

Lambtons 149 Bn

Grovenor Camp, London 

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From: Capt. W.A. Williams

Lambton 149 Bn. C.E.F.

Grosvenor Camp

London

May 31 — 16

Miss Madeline Lucas

Arkona, Ontario

Dear Madeline,

One more short letter tonight. Have one awful cold, hope you are alright. This has been one fine day, but believe me it’s cold and wet here. Monday night was one that will never be forgotten by the 149. Some of the boys sleep in water, and I believe every man was soaked through. 

Well Madeline, I never was so busy for a long time, was Orderly officer Sunday, Monday & Tuesday and it sure was one awful job for a beginning and a new camp. Have never been up town yet and have never had my clothes off since Saturday. Things will be better now. We have a lot of sick men and some 13 cases of measles already. I hope I don’t get pneumonia as some surely will. I really think this one awful life and I only hope things will improve. So wet and cold and our camp is not the best.

Well this is a busy place here some 10,000 man whew now and more. Lamb ton 149 got quite a good reception by the citizens. Please forgive me for boosting the 149. I have Alf for my orderly. I am glad he is. He sure has a cold place too. I forgot to wish you happy birthday. I will be so please to see you soon. I spoke to Col. Bradley just 1 minute since arrival and I will see in a day or two, he is so busy. I really believe I never lived under such conditions as Monday night in my life. Everybody was sick of it but we are away for a good time now.

Madeline I have so much to think about I can’t think of more to write. Will write Sunday. Now I wish you health & happiness for the years to come. Believe me and Remember me to all.

GoodBye, Will

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