November 1918

Norwood, Engl[and] 4-11-18

Mrs W.A. Williams

Arkona, Canada

My dear Wife,

Will try and write a short letter today. I rec’d your letters from Ann Arbor and one on arrival back home. glad you had such a good time, but so sorry are used up over your trip. I guess the life was too much for you. Now I am staying at Mrs Rydes and enjoying a rest have a bad cold of course, but otherwise feel alright. The weather is wet and dull and very uncomfortable. I am in a nice room and happy and contented. The rest will do me a world of good if only a few days. I rec’d 7 letters from France today and was so pleased. Mr Wyatt is well, also Ethan Bates. Gene had a long letter and full of news. You spoke of Mrs Gallangar and all who were to see you. How I would like to see them once more. Yes, you and I shall go and see them someday. I shall never settle down so don’t get frightened of getting old. It will be you first who shall complain. No more worrying for me try and make a living and that’s all. Hard luck don’t you think so. Now if you want different just say so, please.

The snaps of Eileen and Lida were no very good. Heavens can’t Lida laugh or what’s wrong? The baby looked a prisoner and wanted to be let go.

When you have time tell me all about your time in Ann Arbor. What kind of Bro-in-law will the Sgt make and etc? Remember the Yanks and I don’t agree. I should worry he will never see this war anyway. Billy Wyatt is more to me than the Sgt. Now come off with the fellow stuff and let Lida go it herself. You had your way and made a failure. You said he was like me. I guess you meant before I was married. ha ha.

Well Madeline I am one tease alright, but never mind when I get back will be good. Eileen was cranky by your letter likely she felt like yourself.

Now I must close because I see every step I take is worse. However it’s hard to be good all the time. I must close and write soon again.

Love and kisses to Eileen and yourself.

Your loving husband, Will xx

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England, Nov. 8th, 1918

Mrs W.A. Williams

Arkona, Canada

My dear Wife,

This is Eileen’s birthday and so must write a letter and send my Greetings to her. I also sent a cable this morning and hope it gets there in time. I am real well and having a good  time. Was to see Fred Williams again yesterday and had a good time. They are real nice and so glad to have one call. Mrs Williams is writing you now, she has been poorly and gaining once more.

My visit to Mr Ryder has been a great rest and like it so well with them. I am going back to France Monday the 11th and will be so glad too. the war will be over Sunday, I expect but that won’t bother be very much as it’s an old story. The people over here are so happy and will go wild when the end comes. I should like to see the people at home when the news arrives.

I am sure anxious about Alf but hope to hear soon. I have no news, only met Col. Macvicar the other day, he is going back to Canada. I hope all are well and happy. Remember me to all the folks. I shall be home next June. Keep cares and troubles away and be happy. Give Eileen a good big hug and all the kisses you like for me and about all keep your patience. It’s a short time now and I do know you shall be patient. My wish today is long life and happiness to Eileen. Love and kisses to both.

Your loving husband, Will xx

[note: Eileen lived into her 97th year . . . a long life indeed and like her father, she was a positive and happy person who helped others.]

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11 November 1918

[written on the inside of an envelope]

My dear Wife,

Am well. Safe in France and the war is over. I was in mid channel when the news was picked up and we landed in France with flags flying. Will write when up the line. 

Love and kisses to Eileen and Yourself.

Will xx 

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Belgium, 16 — 11 — 18

My dear Wife,

I am well and on my way to Germany.

I have no news, only everything is going the best.

I shall be unable to write for some days as will be on the great march.

I have been feeling much better since my leave and hope to keep up for awhile now.

It’s only a short while and we shall be home.

I shall be so pleased to hear from you often.

Eileen will be a nice girl when I see her.

Hope those rags arrive soon and in good shape.

Xmas will be spent in Germany if all goes well.

Remember me to all. 

Love and kisses to Eileen and yourself.

Yours, Will xx

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