October 1918

France, Oct 5th 1918

Mrs W.A. Williams

Arkona, Canada

My dear Wife,

I am well and standing the test alright. This is my first anniversary in France and tonight feel thankful for being spared through 365 days and nights of war. I do hope we’ll see the finish very soon. My leave is up and am not going to take it just now as this game is soon to finish and I want to be right on the job. I really need the rest but can do a little longer under the present favorable conditions. Ethan Bates is alright as enquired of him today. These are anxious times but keep steady, the enemy is going to his doom fast. I am sitting in a shell hole tonight and writing a great story but the wind blows like a big storm coming and shell holes are no bon when full of water.

Tell me all about times at home and do write often. Madeline tell everybody to write the boys over here to cheer them along. Just a little more and the enemy will be finished.

Eileen will be soon a year old and a great girl. How I wish could send her something, but no chance up in this place.

Love and kisses to Eileen and Yourself,

Your loving husband, Will xx 

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France, 10 October 1918

Mrs W.A. Williams

Arkona, Canada

My dear Wife,

Your welcome letter of Sept 10th record and was much pleased with it. It spoke of one of my letters being interesting, also contained a few sharp words from my wife. Well Madeline it’s a treat to get a little bit of married life again after a long spell. Your letters up to lately were written very brief and almost like to strangers. However, it’s no use talking about past times, but your letter speaks for itself. I now understand real well you are anxious to see me and to have me back if it’s God’s will. Your prayers are doing much to help it.

When I left Canada was so discouraged had given up all hopes of ever going back. Times have changed and a loving wife writes for me to be good and come home. That drop of encouragement makes life worth living. I shall try and save myself if God sees fit. The days which have passed since leaving Canada have been wasted and have been robbed of all dear to me. The war is now coming to an end and sometime soon will all be together. Maybe some time in the near future. I must tell you while the opportunity allows me that no time have things looked better for the Allies than this very day.

I am now feeling stronger only much in need of rest. My leave has passed and hope to see the end before taking leave to England. There are no more officers in the British Army who would cancel leave to go into these battles. My letter is getting wild, so will close at once. Wilbert Beattie called on me the other day and he looked fine. I don’t see many boys lately.

Eileen will be a year old very soon and I have a little to send her and my wish will be about all. Madeline please tell me all about her, and what she really is. I love the child so much really picture her all the time. Tell me what she really looks like. When you are alone think of a husband who is lonesome to see you and his own child.

I shall not write often in the future as time will not permit. Tell Lida and all my intentions are good. The days are standing the strain very well. you will be celebrating of course shortly but we will be glad to all get back to Canada.

Love and kisses to Eileen and Yourself.

Your loving husband, Will xx

To Eileen. Health and Happiness through all the years to come. Your Father.

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