To: LCo, Lieut William Albert Williams
Canadian Training School
Care Metropolitan Hotel, Bexhill-on-Sea, England
Wishing you happiness.
Madeline Williams
_________________________________________________________
9 P.M. Oct 3rd 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont, Can
My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines before I swim the channel. All’s well. My cold is improving very rapidly. I hope this letter finds you alright and enjoying yourself. All the boys are well. Mr Wyatt was over this P.M. and had a long visit. He wishes to be remembered. Tonight is cool and windy and blows like more rain. Fritz will not likely come over this night as it is too dark and windy. He sure kept things warm last week. Those moonlight nights agreed with him.
I will be going away in the morning and stay in London all night. Will see the old village once more before going home. I hope to see Fred Williams if get a chance.
Tonight was packing up and believe me it’s some job. I hate to do without something but really have to leave in my trunk. I am well supplied with everything. You should see the old warrior just now. This is some light to write letters by. In future will be all kinds of dates and places. I will write soon as get a chance. You will excuse my scribblings in a hurry.
Madeline you must not worry because I will be alright. I know your prayers will be answered. I will try and take good care of myself. Tell Lida to write sometime soon. No mail from Canada lately and they hold it here ten days so will have a long wait. How is our baby coming along, does the time seem long to you. Now you must be patient and be careful so daddy won’t be disappointed. I will be looking for news some few weeks time. Grandma will be busy those days but hope she enjoys working for her country. Some think we are doing our bit for sure.
I have no news. Tell my Father am writing him very soon, also your Mother. Old Maid Sister has a contract on so I believe but hope she can lay the baby down long enough to write me a letter. How is Charlie and Arnold going to make out now? Poor boys will more like old men than anything else. Tell Rose will write them very soon. Remember me to all. Love to all and lots for yourself.
Bye bye. Best wishes.
Your loving husband
Will X
P.S. Tell me how you get along these days and if you are discouraged with your sickness.
__________________________________________________________
Mrs W.A. Williams, Arkona Ont Can
My Dear Wife,
It is now 11:30 A.M. and will try and write a few lines. We hand spiked [to set manually] our clocks on 1 hr again but understand will be put back 1 hr when up the line. So about 6 hrs difference than at home will be about right. Well what I am trying to get to is you have not had your breakfast yet and I have. The food is good and lots of it, so will be ok. I am feeling fine and hope you are alright. Talk about rain, it just pours here and such a mess. I am sitting in a tent and enjoying life very much. Well who said I would never see France. But here I am and big as life. The trip over was rough and everybody fed the fish all they had. I done my best too. I never seen so many sick in my life. Everybody.
Now Madeline I am up against telling where we are or anything else. So you just bear in mind what’s trump. Miss Bates is within a few hundred yards of where I am will try and find her tomorrow. It will be only if get a chance as may move any time, no warning yet. Met three officers I used to know already so am getting nearer home. This country is not like where I came from and never will be. The people are not like us, their ways are altogether different. No wonder the Canucks are some people. I must tell you while in the villages called on Fred Williams and had tea with them. Mrs Williams will be writing you someday and Mrs Jones Brother-in-law met me at the station as was pulling our for over here. I think this is all the news for now, and will try and tell some more before mailing.
We all got our tin lids this A.M. also a few other breathing instruments, which sustains life under difficulty. Yes we just look like hobos only worse. Things are getting real now and makes me feel more like myself. Don’t do any worrying because all the doctors say it never accomplished anything. Everybody is more or less quiet around here and needs someone to cheer em up.
Madeline I brought those pictures with me and just took a look at them a little while ago. I appreciate them. Yes your hubby will try this best and your prayers will be some great help. Tell all the folks am all smiles these days and not put on either. Sometimes will be blue of course but how nice it will be to help some poor fellow. I love my men and do like to be with them. When the war is over and I get home you can have the whole lot, as you will be my only one to love. It’s not fair I know, but the war is the cause. Don’t get discouraged, but go up town and tell them to wake up, there’s a war on. When I get back the baby will be turning everything upside down. I must go and see an officer I know in the hospital here as he has a card in the mess asking for friends to call and see him.
With Best Wishes and lots of love
Bye. Bye.
Your loving husband, Will x
My address: 2nd Canadian Pioneers, France B.E.F.
____________________________________________________________
246 Goldhawre Road
Shepherds Bush
London W12
Oct 7th 1917
Dear Mrs Williams,
A letter from England in an unknown writing you will wonder who it can be from — so the best thing for me is to introduce my self as Marian Williams, wife of Fred Williams, a cousin of your husband. On his first visit to us the latter end of April I felt I would like to write you and told him so — he said you would be pleased to know I had seen him. Time has passed and I am ashamed to say my good intention has not been carried out earlier — we have heard from him during his training and last Thursday he paid us a visit before going out to France, you will be pleased to hear he was looking well and in the best of spirits1 — somehow from the first of seeing him we felt he belonged to us and have taken the greatest interest in him and sincerely trust he will come through this dreadful war with safety and be restored to you — he is a splendid fellow and you must be very proud of him. He told us of the event which is expected to take place the end of this month. We hope everything will go well and that you will be the happy mother of a lovely baby boy — or girl —. I have seen your photograph, it does not seem to me that I am writing to a stranger.
With all Kind Wishes from my husband & Self
Yours sincerely,
Marian Williams
1 Looking at the calendar for October 1917, William must have visited his cousins on Thursday October 4th. I surmise that he left for France on the 5th. He writes a letter in the late morning of Saturday Oct 6th from “somewhere in France”.]
________________________________________________________
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont Canada
My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines. Am well and quite comfortable. This A.M. went to Service and was called out about ten minutes afterwards to go on training. We had a very disagreeable time and coming home it poured all the way. We were all drenched to the hide, and had to change all our clothing. It was the worst storm have seen since coming over from Canada. The rain was mixed with hail and a terrific wind blowing which nearly cut one’s face. It is getting colder now and much like winter coming on. Really the weather is awful lately and England is getting hit these days with storms.
Last night I went over about two miles and found Miss Bates. Madeline it was one surprise to her to see me, and believe me I was just as pleased to see a Canadian girl again. We spent two hrs talking and no one called a halt so you may guess we enjoyed our talk. She looks fine and enjoys her work so much. She made me promise to come over again and see her but I am going up the line in the morning and will not be able to see her. I feel so disappointed as she was so anxious for me to come back anytime.
Well Madeline this world is small after all and just to think people meet in such far off places. Ethan is well and hope to see him very soon. Some people are so careless in understanding why we like to see each other, but if they go through hardships it makes an awful difference. The people change over here and it’s no wonder.
Well Madeline soon as I go up the line will see some sights but cannot say anything about them. I censored about twenty letters today and now a word wrong in one of them. Really it’s some job and funny too. The boys I spoke of who came over just left for up the line on one week so will be right on their heels. I bet they will be surprised when I land in. I will always tell the news but no more war yarns from me until get home.
Now I am comfortable and not in need of one thing. Don’t be anxious or worry because all will be well. I expect will not get a cable now but be sure and write all about it. I will hold out alright but believe me it will be a long wait. Tell our people I am alright and quite happy but calm just now as the wind is blowing a gale and makes one feel lonesome.
Must close this trip. Write often.
Best wishes.
Love and kisses to yourself and you give baby one for me.
2nd Canadian Pioneers.
[ More on the Canadian Pioneer Battalions http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/005/f2/005-1142.29.027-e.pdf]
_____________________________________________________
October 12, 1917
Mrs C.W. Lucas
Arkona, Ont Can
Dear Mother,
Your welcome letter record sometime ago and was so pleased with it. I am well and do hope you are alright also. We are having bad weather here but one must expect things unpleasant nowadays.
Yes, I am now one of the boys in France and will soon be heaving plenty of excitement. This is one awful country and the people are just as funny in their ways as our Indians. The people are not like us in ways or anything up to date. Really this was a fine place for the war, and so glad not in our land. The folks in Canada will never know how well off they are until they come over here. Had a slight experience of the real think already and must say the bursting shells are terrible. The new men are not so bad but after a time they get nervous. Mrs Lucas I will be able to tell some great yarns when I get home. I am taking everything in so will be able to give the women’s institute a little talk on the peoples’ ways. Don’t tell them my intentions.
So Madeline is growing fat also measurement and a bit cranky. Well I hope she keeps fleshy but not too much, but I don’t want her to be cranky. I suppose she has reasons for being cranky and maybe if the rest of you only had her troubles would be cranky too. I trust all will be well and know you will take great care of my wife. I am much interested in our future and do hope no disappointment befalls us these trying days.
Madeline says you and Lida are interested over the affair. When I committed the deed thought you people would be horrified. Pride must take a fall, but not the case with you people. When our baby arrives be sure and not let anybody maul it around or it will never grow. If I was home there would be cast iron rules laid down but I suppose Lida will be the whole show. However will have patience and trust in your care everything will be alright.
Best wishes,
Bye bye.
Your loving Son, Will X
Kisses are a thing of the past.
______________________________________________________
October 14th 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont, Can.
My Dear Wife,
Yours of Sept 4-6 and 9th record and was so pleased with them. I am well and in good spirits and hope you are alright and cheerful. This is Sunday morning and very cool but the sun is shining once more. Talk about wet and mud it’s terrible. Well my Dear it’s only a pleasure when one know we are keeping the Huns away from our doors. I have lost my love for them as a nation but not some men.
I am going up north to day will be away about one week. Madeline I run in to Will Torrington already and he sure was a surprised boy. He looks well and is standing the racket good. We had a nice long visit last night and enjoyed ourselves. I may be able to see him sometime again. I expect to see Beaumy and Don Sutherland soon as I am in the same Div. We’ll see some great sights and it’s terrible over here. The war isn’t fun by any means.
Now I must close as my lorry is awaiting to take me up twelve miles north. Will write tonight if get chance.
Bye Bye.
Your loving husband, Will X
[ Will includes a “programme” of an evening’s entertainment dated Oct 12th]
___________________________________________________________
2 October 1917
Telegraph from Madeline Williams to William Williams
To: LCo, Lieut William Albert Williams
Canadian Training School
Care Metropolitan Hotel, Bexhill-on-Sea, England
Wishing you happiness.
Madeline Williams
_______________________________________________________
Bramshott, Hants
9 P.M. Oct 3rd 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont, Can
My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines before I swim the channel. All’s well. My cold is improving very rapidly. I hope this letter finds you alright and enjoying yourself. All the boys are well. Mr Wyatt was over this P.M. and had a long visit. He wishes to be remembered. Tonight is cool and windy and blows like more rain. Fritz will not likely come over this night as it is too dark and windy. He sure kept things warm last week. Those moonlight nights agreed with him.
I will be going away in the morning and stay in London all night. Will see the old village once more before going home. I hope to see Fred Williams if get a chance.
Tonight was packing up and believe me it’s some job. I hate to do without something but really have to leave in my trunk. I am well supplied with everything. You should see the old warrior just now. This is some light to write letters by. In future will be all kinds of dates and places. I will write soon as get a chance. You will excuse my scribblings in a hurry.
Madeline you must not worry because I will be alright. I know your prayers will be answered. I will try and take good care of myself. Tell Lida to write sometime soon. No mail from Canada lately and they hold it here ten days so will have a long wait. How is our baby coming along, does the time seem long to you. Now you must be patient and be careful so daddy won’t be disappointed. I will be looking for news some few weeks time. Grandma will be busy those days but hope she enjoys working for her country. Some think we are doing our bit for sure.
I have no news. Tell my Father am writing him very soon, also your Mother. Old Maid Sister has a contract on so I believe but hope she can lay the baby down long enough to write me a letter. How is Charlie and Arnold going to make out now? Poor boys will more like old men than anything else. Tell Rose will write them very soon. Remember me to all. Love to all and lots for yourself.
Bye bye. Best wishes.
Your loving husband
Will X
P.S. Tell me how you get along these days and if you are discouraged with your sickness.
________________________________________________________________
Somewhere in France, 6-10-17
Mrs W.A. Williams, Arkona Ont Can
My Dear Wife,
It is now 11:30 A.M. and will try and write a few lines. We hand spiked [to set manually] our clocks on 1 hr again but understand will be put back 1 hr when up the line. So about 6 hrs difference than at home will be about right. Well what I am trying to get to is you have not had your breakfast yet and I have. The food is good and lots of it, so will be ok. I am feeling fine and hope you are alright. Talk about rain, it just pours here and such a mess. I am sitting in a tent and enjoying life very much. Well who said I would never see France. But here I am and big as life. The trip over was rough and everybody fed the fish all they had. I done my best too. I never seen so many sick in my life. Everybody.
Now Madeline I am up against telling where we are or anything else. So you just bear in mind what’s trump. Miss Bates is within a few hundred yards of where I am will try and find her tomorrow. It will be only if get a chance as may move any time, no warning yet. Met three officers I used to know already so am getting nearer home. This country is not like where I came from and never will be. The people are not like us, their ways are altogether different. No wonder the Canucks are some people. I must tell you while in the villages called on Fred Williams and had tea with them. Mrs Williams will be writing you someday and Mrs Jones Brother-in-law met me at the station as was pulling our for over here. I think this is all the news for now, and will try and tell some more before mailing.
We all got our tin lids this A.M. also a few other breathing instruments, which sustains life under difficulty. Yes we just look like hobos only worse. Things are getting real now and makes me feel more like myself. Don’t do any worrying because all the doctors say it never accomplished anything. Everybody is more or less quiet around here and needs someone to cheer em up.
Madeline I brought those pictures with me and just took a look at them a little while ago. I appreciate them. Yes your hubby will try this best and your prayers will be some great help. Tell all the folks am all smiles these days and not put on either. Sometimes will be blue of course but how nice it will be to help some poor fellow. I love my men and do like to be with them. When the war is over and I get home you can have the whole lot, as you will be my only one to love. It’s not fair I know, but the war is the cause. Don’t get discouraged, but go up town and tell them to wake up, there’s a war on. When I get back the baby will be turning everything upside down. I must go and see an officer I know in the hospital here as he has a card in the mess asking for friends to call and see him.
With Best Wishes and lots of love
Bye. Bye.
Your loving husband, Will x
My address: 2nd Canadian Pioneers, France B.E.F.
____________________________________________________________
246 Goldhawre Road
Shepherds Bush
London W12
Oct 6th [?] of [?] 1917
Dear Mrs Williams,
A letter from England in an unknown writing you will wonder who it can be from — so the best thing for me is to introduce my self as Marian Williams, wife of Fred Williams, a cousin of your husband. On his first visit to us the latter end of April I felt I would like to write you and told him so — he said you would be pleased to know I had seen him. Time has passed and I am ashamed to say my good intention has not been carried out earlier — we have heard from him during his training and last Thursday he paid us a visit before going out to France, you will be pleased to hear he was looking well and in the best of spirits1 — somehow from the first of seeing him we felt he belonged to us and have taken the greatest interest in him and sincerely trust he will come through this dreadful war with safety and be restored to you — he is a splendid fellow and you must be very proud of him. He told us of the event which is expected to take place the end of this month. We hope everything will go well and that you will be the happy mother of a lovely baby boy — or girl —. I have seen your photograph, it does not seem to me that I am writing to a stranger.
With all Kind Wishes from my husband & Self
Yours sincerely,
Marian Williams
1 Looking at the calendar for October 1917, William must have visited his cousins on Thursday October 4th. I surmise that he left for France on the 5th. He writes a letter in the late morning of Saturday Oct 6th from “somewhere in France”.]
___________________________________________________________
France, October 7th 17.
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont Canada
My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines. Am well and quite comfortable. This A.M. went to Service and was called out about ten minutes afterwards to go on training. We had a very disagreeable time and coming home it poured all the way. We were all drenched to the hide, and had to change all our clothing. It was the worst storm have seen since coming over from Canada. The rain was mixed with hail and a terrific wind blowing which nearly cut one’s face. It is getting colder now and much like winter coming on. Really the weather is awful lately and England is getting hit these days with storms.
Last night I went over about two miles and found Miss Bates. Madeline it was one surprise to her to see me, and believe me I was just as pleased to see a Canadian girl again. We spent two hrs talking and no one called a halt so you may guess we enjoyed our talk. She looks fine and enjoys her work so much. She made me promise to come over again and see her but I am going up the line in the morning and will not be able to see her. I feel so disappointed as she was so anxious for me to come back anytime.
Well Madeline this world is small after all and just to think people meet in such far off places. Ethan is well and hope to see him very soon. Some people are so careless in understanding why we like to see each other, but if they go through hardships it makes an awful difference. The people change over here and it’s no wonder.
Well Madeline soon as I go up the line will see some sights but cannot say anything about them. I censored about twenty letters today and now a word wrong in one of them. Really it’s some job and funny too. The boys I spoke of who came over just left for up the line on one week so will be right on their heels. I bet they will be surprised when I land in. I will always tell the news but no more war yarns from me until get home.
Now I am comfortable and not in need of one thing. Don’t be anxious or worry because all will be well. I expect will not get a cable now but be sure and write all about it. I will hold out alright but believe me it will be a long wait. Tell our people I am alright and quite happy but calm just now as the wind is blowing a gale and makes one feel lonesome.
Must close this trip. Write often.
Best wishes.
Love and kisses to yourself and you give baby one for me.
2nd Canadian Pioneers.
[ More on the Canadian Pioneer Battalions http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/005/f2/005-1142.29.027-e.pdf]
___________________________________________________________
Somewhere in France
October 12, 1917
Mrs C.W. Lucas
Arkona, Ont Can
Dear Mother,
Your welcome letter record sometime ago and was so pleased with it. I am well and do hope you are alright also. We are having bad weather here but one must expect things unpleasant nowadays.
Yes, I am now one of the boys in France and will soon be heaving plenty of excitement. This is one awful country and the people are just as funny in their ways as our Indians. The people are not like us in ways or anything up to date. Really this was a fine place for the war, and so glad not in our land. The folks in Canada will never know how well off they are until they come over here. Had a slight experience of the real think already and must say the bursting shells are terrible. The new men are not so bad but after a time they get nervous. Mrs Lucas I will be able to tell some great yarns when I get home. I am taking everything in so will be able to give the women’s institute a little talk on the peoples’ ways. Don’t tell them my intentions.
So Madeline is growing fat also measurement and a bit cranky. Well I hope she keeps fleshy but not too much, but I don’t want her to be cranky. I suppose she has reasons for being cranky and maybe if the rest of you only had her troubles would be cranky too. I trust all will be well and know you will take great care of my wife. I am much interested in our future and do hope no disappointment befalls us these trying days.
Madeline says you and Lida are interested over the affair. When I committed the deed thought you people would be horrified. Pride must take a fall, but not the case with you people. When our baby arrives be sure and not let anybody maul it around or it will never grow. If I was home there would be cast iron rules laid down but I suppose Lida will be the whole show. However will have patience and trust in your care everything will be alright.
Best wishes,
Bye bye.
Your loving Son, Will X
Kisses are a thing of the past.
_______________________________________________________-
Somewhere in France
October 14th 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont, Can.
My Dear Wife,
Yours of Sept 4-6 and 9th record and was so pleased with them. I am well and in good spirits and hope you are alright and cheerful. This is Sunday morning and very cool but the sun is shining once more. Talk about wet and mud it’s terrible. Well my Dear it’s only a pleasure when one know we are keeping the Huns away from our doors. I have lost my love for them as a nation but not some men.
I am going up north to day will be away about one week. Madeline I run in to Will Torrington already and he sure was a surprised boy. He looks well and is standing the racket good. We had a nice long visit last night and enjoyed ourselves. I may be able to see him sometime again. I expect to see Beaumy and Don Sutherland soon as I am in the same Div. We’ll see some great sights and it’s terrible over here. The war isn’t fun by any means.
Now I must close as my lorry is awaiting to take me up twelve miles north. Will write tonight if get chance.
Bye Bye.
Your loving husband, Will X
[ Will includes a “programme” of an evening’s entertainment dated Oct 12th]
________________________________________________________
France, October 17th 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont, Can
My Dear Wife,
This is Wed eve 8 P.M. I am well and getting along alright. Hope you are alright and getting along the very best. Had a letter from Lida today and was pleased with it. I am now away north and well back of the firing line. The village am staying in is very small and thousands of soldiers are billeted in it. The house where I stay is full up with a family of nine and two soldiers, besides another officer and myself. They use us very kind and are the better class of people. Will be staying here about two weeks or perhaps more am taking a map reading course, which is very important in this land. I like the course and getting on very well. I met Don Sutherland and Walter Woolvett while here. They look well and standing it very good. We have had several little talks since coming here. Don was glad to see me and today was together some time. He expects to move away tomorrow. Walter will be staying some days.
Now Madeline it is so nice to meet our boys and no one knows how glad we all feel. I have been very lucky finding them so soon and under such peculiar conditions. I must not tell any more as we know it will not interest you. The weather is some better, but oh the mud and looks like rain again. Your answered those questions nicely for me. Alf borrowed $40 from me and Father will give you a check for it which pays my insurance. You said it takes some money to keep things going. Well what will we do when there are a dozen children. I suppose you object to running a wholesale business. Well Madeline we will be careful and try not to over do things. I will also my best to keep things comfortable for you.
Lyda seems quite interested in the show and says you look fine, better looking. Well how could you look any better unless your form improved by being fleshy. She said were anxiously awaiting for Nov. What about Ronald Beecher. Some name, believe me. Well anything will do but if you only know it’s a girl and some beauty too. Excuse me for guessing but that’s my wish.
I hope this letter only finds things true. Madeline I can do nothing so you just wait until I come back and then will be happy. The Huns are hard to beat but they must be beaten. My orderly has given me a card and photo from a Bosche which he killed just lately. I will send it over some time soon. The poor girl will never know what happened to her fellow. War is terrible, but they use our boys so bad we can never trust them now. I hope they don’t leave a widow in Canada. Well cheer up we are winning and your husband will have done something to help win the war. I suppose people are surprised at me getting to France but where there is a will there’s a way.
Madeline you will have a vote in the next election and be sure and mark it good. Make them promise to sign up or out they go. How are all the folks at home getting along. Tell them I am fine.
Now I must close and will write soon. With love and best wishes to all and lots to yourself.
Good Bye. Your loving husband, Will X
Will write Lida very soon, and please remember me to all the folks. Will
___________________________________________________________
[a letter from “Ella” a friend to Madeline Williams]
591 Hamilton Road [postmarked London, Ontario]
October 23/17
Dear Madeline,
Well I surely was glad to get your letter last Saturday. I was beginning to think you had forgotten me entirely so as you promised to answer more promptly I thought I would forgive you this time.
To begin, I must tell you what a surprise your letter contained for me and glad that you told me. I am sure the winter will pass quickly to you with your new interests you will have lots to do. I will surely be very anxious to go to Arkona this winter. We are quite busy now I hardly have any time to even go up town but from now on we have every Wed afternoon all winter the same as the summer so I will have one holiday anyway. I have not been up town yet since Lida came to the city but I intend going up tomorrow so will try and hunt her up. Audrey saw her on a Dundas Street car that was the first I knew she was here. It will be nice here for her if she lies the store.
We gave outplay in Glencoe about a month ago. We went on a Wednesday and I stayed till Saturday with Ethel. I saw Mr A.M. Graham again you remember him. I didi not see Ferne but she is to be married soon Ethel said. We are going to Hyde Park to give the play this coming Monday night and November 5th we give it in Ridout Street Church, it is getting popular. were are making a little money for the church anyway.
I was so sorry to hear Will was in France but of course that was what he started out for at first. Clarence is being sent back to Canada on account of his health and the last I heard expected to get home some time either this month or next but is uncertain they are never sure of any thing. I am so glad the age limit just escapes Brock. He is not quite twenty yet.
Little Helen Wheable is getting as fat as can be. Her father sent her a diamond ring from France a short time ago pretty young to be sporting a diamond ring is she not?
If you notice that big blot up there please excuse it as i have not got time to write another letter to day.
Do you still hear from Edith ——— I can’t think of her name now.
Well I guess I better close this for this time this pen kicks so it makes me tired to make it write. Now Madeline do write soon and not wait so long again.
Your friend
Ella
________________________________________________________
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario, Canada
My dear wife,
I am well and getting along aright. Sincerely hope you are happy and getting along alright. Well Madeline today has been fine up till noon, calm and cool. The afternoon is very dark and looking like rain. I hope we get no more rain for a few days as it is very disagreeable, and the mud terrible.
The Germans are getting it these days and today the guns are roaring study not one second let up. The ground trembles all the time, one would wonder how they stand it. I am pretty uneasy and wish I was up in the front line. The officers here don’t understand how I love soldiering and call me some sport. There are all the best bunch of fellows ever met in my life and so kind. None of this cold footed gang I was used to in Canada, not the bombproof kind either. Well, I love it out here and hope to get back to tell al the adventures.
Last Sunday we had a guess on ages and the boys all guessed from 24 to 28 and when I told them would never see 33 again, they were absolutely stunned. I never felt or looked better in my life, so Madeline your hubby will not be an old man when he comes back.
Yesterday marched to ———. 20 kilometres with a party of men, returned in afternoon getting a life in a lorry of 9 kilos. Well I was tired but the poor fellows going the one way were about done. Don’t tell anyone how I stand it so will surprise them if can stand it.
Madeline excuse me for writing so much wind, but have had no accident for over one month and talk about being desperate. Enough said. Purchased a pair of long boots and with my steel lid and other stuff look like an Eskimo. Madeline this is all the stuff I can think of. The house where I am staying is very good (trés bon). the four girls are getting very loving and think officer some swank. Two of them want to go out to Canada and keep house for you. What do you think? I don’t think we need anyone now as our little girl will be so wonderfully smart, will need no looking after.
Well by this time you will be so delighted will be in great spirits. I only wish I knew. I am speaking of the time this letter arrives. Tell Lida not to quit the store until I come back and then things will be much better. How is Mrs Lucas getting along? No chickens this year. Your Father said that piece of garden ground in the orchard was extra good. Do hope you have lots of vegetables as everyone lives on them here. The people where I live eat nothing but bread and salad. The salad is made from lettuce with salt, pepper,, vinegar and olive oil all mixed and chopped up together. They are great on coffee and keep it on the stove all the time. Madeline the mail is terribly held up here sometimes so don’t get uneasy often not taken away for couple of days. Will be sure to write often as get time. Must close with best wishes to all.
Lots of love and kisses to Madeline and baby. Bye. Bye.
Your loving husband, Will xx
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France. Oct 28, 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Can
My dear Wife,
Sunday 6 P.M.
I am well and getting along fine. Sincerely trust you are enjoying both health and happiness. Today has been dull and cool looking much like rain. Last night had a heavy frost and believe me the winter is coming. The mud is something awful and will never get out of it until next summer.
Well Madeline, this morning went to service in the field and was not very comfortable. This afternoon spent running about visiting our own Bn boys. The boys over here are all well. I expect to go up the line very soon now. The course is about finished and enjoyed it very much.
Yesterday sent you a nice little gift and also some cards to the folks. I think they are nice and maybe my only chance to send some little remembrance from France. When I go back to Canada will take something nice for you. Our wee baby if all goes well will get something grand. These are uneasy days for me you may guess, but hope all will be well. No one knows what news these days will bring.
Madeline I have no news but must say am getting along well with my course and like it very much. Tell all the folks I am real well and like it in France. Have no mail from Canada for over two weeks, expect a batch any day. Tell Lida to write when she gets time. The people where I stay are very kind to me and getting along with the French pretty good. I have some trouble understand their language. Madeline will say quit and write very soon again. Trusting this will find you well and happy.
Bye Bye with love & kisses
Your loving husband, Will xx
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Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont, Can.
My dear Wife,
Tuesday eve. 9 P.M.
Received six letters today and must say feel pleased tonight. Yours of Sept 14th and 16th, Lida’s of 14th were so pleased with and such good letters. Donna, Lola, and Mrs Smith were thankfully record. Donna’s letter was Sept 23rd and spoke of sending me some parcel on 3rd.
Well Madeline I will write you at once. I am well and getting along fine. Trust you are well and happy. Today was very wet and such a mud hole. Tonight is clear and moon light. I have no news this time. Walter Woolvett was over last night and had a nice talk. The Canadians are doing well but the Italians seem to have tried the Russian trick. Say Fritz seems to have lots of wind yet but wait until the Sammies get after them. [“Sammies” was popular British slang for the Americans or “Yanks” during WW1]. Well the war will soon be over.
Madeline your letters were real funny but you seem to have such a time getting them written. You have no idea how I feel over the letters. I suppose before this letter arrives things will be much changed at your home. you spoke of your Mother being so kind to you. Yes that’s a Mother every time and you can thank her for many things. Madeline you must be kind to them and will try and pay them in some way when we get a chance. Remember your Father is not getting credit when you talk like that. However I have an opinion of my own and that goes too. Lyda seemed to write such a nice letter and hoped I never would go to France, but landsites have been over here three weeks now. She will be some Belle with her furs and all her toggery.
Madeline everybody has a spell of this sometime in their day. Your remember the day when you used to put on lots of swank? So you are not sorry I went to the hospital. I often think how careless you was about that time. I understand now. Yes Madeline it was you and look how ambitious your old man was and what a job. I destroyed your letter as requested. And so you seemed rather saucy over being fleshy and hoped I am satisfied to my hearts content. Well I don’t like extremes either ways.
You sent the letter from Armstrong. I must write him very soon and mention your father’s name. My wife will have a vote so we are getting women’s suffrage. Madeline you said you might be cranky when I get back. Well we will wait and see and moreover won’t worry any more. You spoke of Harry’s boy. Well ours will be the best and will look just like its Mother, which can’t be beat. I don’t think Lida is a sample to go by if it is a girl. Beauty is only skin deep under the Powder. Don’t tell Lida this (ha ha).
You spoke of many things especially the wee baby. No I will be careful and trust all will be well. Disappointment would be awful but would have to stand it. The little clothes and the basket would be cute. No I will never be home until the end of the war as it was too hard to leave. I do hope they don’t knock me out of business so will see Canada once more. But I never worry over it one bit because one only can trust in God to help and am satisfied he will do the best. Now I can write for a week but must close and go out to visit my men. The officers here are a dandy bunch and so kind to me. Madeline I am good boy. Yet only take drinks once in a while and will explain if you wish to know the reason. You need not worry over your husband.
Bye. Bye. Your loving husband, with love and kisses, Will xx
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