Sept 3rd 17
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario Canada
My Dear Wife,
Yours of Aug 8th received today and was surely glad to hear from you once again. I am well and enjoying myself, and hope this finds you enjoying the best of health.
Last night I tried to write you but failed after three attempts. However it’s easy now. Believe me it’s so hard to write unless I just tell what I am doing and you get tired of that.
Ed. Smith came over about 6 o’clock and it is now 8 P.M. and he is still lying on my cot. Ed is doing well and a good live kid. He wishes to be remembered to you. I have just told him about the time he tried to cut me out. He says there wasn’t much chance. Well I like the boys and they all know it too. Just while I write a draft of Imperial troops are pulling out and the band is playing and crowds cheering.
This evening is very cool and I am sitting in my tent with four candles going full blast. I am quite comfortable and it has stopped raining for two days now. It has been terrible wet of late and I have stood it fine. Often wonder was not used up being wet so much.
I was on the range all week and will finish Thursday. I done good shooting so far and am in for a 1st class shot, only need 16 more points to make it which is easy. The other boys are away behind and can’t make it. I am so pleased will make good in the shooting.
Well we heard yesterday the result of our Aldershot courses and I only got a 2nd class. The other boys a 1st class. I did not tell you what happened so you wouldn’t worry over it. I worked too hard and made 1st until the last paper and had to leave my last paper untouched due to nervousness. I tried too hard to beat the other boys of the 149 but they had the advantage of all being to courses in Canada in musketry. I hope you won’t feel much disappointed because I tried my best. I am all right again now and don’t feel over worked like when I came from Aldershot. I am sure got them on the ranges anyway and they feel it too. I will tell you what I make next letter. Madeline you know it hard for me to study and only excuse me for not doing better. I worried terribly because I was unable to finish my last paper and went home and cried like a baby. I only wish I had another chance.
Your letter was so nice and made me happy all day. I will not answer all that was in it, but you gave me one awful scare. You said weighed 119lbs and gaining a pound more or less a day. Is there any danger of twins? (ha ha). Really one for each would be a joke. Well every thing worked fine when got fixed up in Hospital. I bet you wish I never had gone but it was you that was not good and not me. Now don’t get angry because I put one over you. Yes you will be some dress maker starting in at the beginning and working up. You said the people know it and some felt sorry for you and some didn’t. The Grapes are sour is the 1st answer and the others are only curious. You did not go to the fair grounds just because you have a little respect left which I know was the cause.
Keep out of automobiles for Heaven’s sake or we will have not baby yet. Be awful careful and not hurt yourself. Your old hubby is too much like a Father to you but if you only know I look forward to this fall you would be careful in what you eat and do. I would love see you. Send me a snap such as would look like yourself in morning dress or going out to feed the chickens. Be sure and tell me every letter how you are getting along. I am so full of life sometimes an rather dangerous, for this life is absolutely ripping on a married man. I often feel like hitting someone just for spite. Fritz will get a wallop. Couldn’t I cool off somewhere for a change? ha ha. Excuse me it only nature having it’s fling. It must be nice to be satisfied like you are.
Madeline I must talk about the weather now for a change. Did you ever receive a letter all about the big raid in London which I was in. You never spoke of it in your letters. Sometime ago you spoke as if one letter was lost after coming from Scotland. Mr Cheyne is warned for France and may go soon. Brooks is gone across and the boys will soon all go now. Don’t tell anyone so they will need not worry over the boys.
Where is Lida and does Billy write her anymore. Don’t show those blame pictures to everyone as they are taken as a joke. Thanks for the remarks about them. I just feel so big could have one enlarged and placed in Arkona’s Town Hall. Well, keep those out of sight for your own sake. The baby might take after these and then I would be angry.
Bye bye, love and kisses.
Your loving husband Will X
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Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario Canada
My Dear Wife,
Your of Aug 15th received tonight. This letter was welcome indeed, but would like it more cheerful. I am suffering with beastly cold in my head today, but it is not serious. I can’t understand how I came to get it unless it is the draught under these trees. Tonight it is raining gently and some distant thundering can be heard.
The last few days have been fine and grand on the ranges. I made my first class shot. Woodrow and Stokes only made second. I am now feeling rather more satisfied that I can beat them sometimes. I have no more news from here. I leave for Bramshott again tomorrow and will write a better letter from there. I really enjoyed this ten days down here and shall never forget this course. I do love the noise of guns and always so much interest in shooting. Tell your Father I am much improved since last winter when we were firing at your home. I must take a rifle home with me when I go and will go out shooting with your Father.
Madeline I am making plans for when I return home again. I must save my money and so will have something to start with. I was just thinking if you should save yours and I waste mind wouldn’t I feel my neck.
Well Madeline I know you are afraid of the farm and will not go on the farm because I cannot stand it and its not place for a lady. Since this little mishap of ours, I suppose you feel you are done for in this world for pleasure. When the war is over I come back no one will ever know how happy we will be. The home without a child is no home and my intentions are to enjoy life all the way through not just while we are young! I only wish you could understand my desire to make you happy and comfortable. We must forget the past. Don’t think you will be tied down the rest of your life with children. Nothing like that. I have had so many troubles of late and of course my patience tested have been indeed a sorry man, but I just leave it to God to do what he sees fit with me. If God sees that my life will be a failure I pray that I shall die a death unknown only that it was for the salvation of the world.
I don’t like writing letters of this kind so far away but perhaps you will know your husband is still true and thinks of you more than he ever did. If you should be careless with yourself and lose this baby your hubby’s heart will be broken. If I could only satisfy myself that you are careful, but I can’t. If ever any one loved children it is me and I pray that all will be well. You spoke about Lida being so ambitious to be a nurse. Yes, we all are ambitious and it costs some dear. Every boy this side of the pond wants back and never again in the army for him. They say it every day are absolutely dead sick of it. Thousands of nurses over here are worn out with work. It’s terrible slavish work handling big, strong men. When the war is over thousands of nurses will be thrown on the hospitals and will be over done. It is too bad that Lida is so young and had only been through when this war was on. She would had a great experience but it is too late now. I hope she considers this well, one year will make an awful difference if she only waits to see it. Don’t ever discourage her if she things she must go. We all have such calls and few ever get a chance to answer it.
You spoke of my housewife and socks they will be on the way before this letter gets to you. Don’t send me anything more but keep everything for the baby. I have tried to get a nice dress for you but there are no good stores near here and must wait until I get to London to get something good. I hear some mail has been lost so will no doubt get no letter between Aug 8th and Aug 15th. I think I have got all you have written yet. Your Mother and Lida are going to write. I have written so many letters of late in hopes someone will answer soon. Had a letter from Bill Lyons and he is still unable to walk. Poor fellow he will see no fighting.
Well the folks are all busy these days and so are we. We are waiting for the Conscripts now so we can go over to France. Tell them we are all needed to fill gaps and no reserves to take our place. Shame anyone who says he is a Briton and has not offered his services. I hope people understand why this war is not over by now because they are not helping. We will win soon and what will some people think when they have done so little to help finish it?
Will write some again. Goodbye
Your loving husband Will X
Remember me to all the folks.
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Mr C.W. Lucas
Arkona, Ontario. Can.
Dear Sir,
Your letter record tonight, and was overjoyed to hear from you. I am well and standing the training extra well. The boys are all well and doing fine. Today is very wet and so foggy can hardly see. It is terrible miserable here when we get autumn showers. I guess these are the days the sun crosses the line and upsets things. It was so showery the Bn did not parade.
We give all the boys lectures in the huts. The Wellington Co. boys are a good bunch and our boys get along fine. I might say they are all through training and waiting the call. Regards the war, things never looked better. The Russians upset things, but every thing is O.K. The Yankees or our Conscripts will never play a part. I firmly believe it will end very soon. The Canucks more than played with the Huns at Lens [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hill_70].
Well things have improved everywhere since last spring. The crops were heavy, but impossible to harvest by machinery. They cut all the grain with the sickle. The potatoes are rotting badly and might be serious yet. Prices are very high but the Gov. handles things and stops the profiteer. You spoke of high prices in Canada. I am so glad conditions are such. The people here are so taxed are unable to meet some things. The crops are good at home, by all accounts, well we need it too.
Now the news will be in Madeline’s letters, so you excuse me this short letter. I will write you again soon, as you are busy I know. I am so glad that little plot in the orchard was so productive.
Best wishes,
Your son, Will
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Bramshott, England 19/9/17
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ontario, Canada
My Dear Wife,
Yours of August 19th, 22nd, and 26th arrived today, also one from your Father and one from Gene. Well, I am simply overjoyed with all those nice letters. I just went to work and wrote your Father at once and yours now as I have so much to write you. I am well and hope you are in good health. Believe me the boys are so glad to get letters from home. They act just like children at a Xmas tree. We had no mail for so long but everybody got a good supply today. You spoke of a parcel containing some kisses and a housewife. It will likely be here in a few days. Many thanks for all. Your letters were cheerful and so much faith in the future. Yes you are all interested in this wonderful affair. I am so glad that is the case. If this turns out as expected it will end all this unsettled and dissatisfied feeling which exists among all. God is the one who always comes along at the right time and makes all go well again.
Those dresses are no doubt interesting to you all. And Lida has bought a nice dress too. While I write these lines tears are dropping quite freely as it touches one to heart to think your people are so kind. Your Mother is just one grand nurse for you too. I will try and do my best for them when I return someday.
Yes Lida must name our baby. We are all planning so much on this baby. May God spare it for us, but should anything happen all will be for the best. I won’t blame anyone and don’t ever let it worry you. We have no say which it shall be and will make no difference to me.
This letter is rather sad but remember I am overjoyed with news. You said I must send you some names. Well Dear I am very much interested in high thinks and some may sound out of place for you. However, I will send only a few choice ones. I honestly believe you have enough dresses for two. Beauty are so much of a lady for dresses and of course must have lots. I sent you a cheap thing because could get nothing else. I will send you one good one first chance I get. Don’t be angry for this one. I must send Lida something soon as get a chance. Around here we can’t get one thing any good, no big places for choice. This dress is for everyday and later will send something else.
You spoke of auto ride around the lake shore. Yes we had a good time in days gone by. They may return again. Some people ask for me. Well they see my poor wife and they naturally sympathize by asking of me. Poor Mrs T. and Mrs Cornell, it must be funny parking for them. Well all I want is one wife and hope you out live me and then I can’t get another. You don’t go to church and think you are wicked, not so, many who go to church are wicked and you have a fair excuse. By your letter you claim to of held me back in my work, not so as I was working and worrying too much as it was, and thanks if you did. I never know what to rest is. I just overdone it never here as usual but feeling better now again. All I want is honor on the field now. If I only can get the Victoria Cross will be satisfied. Ernie Showler makes the people talk in Canada in his mishaps, a letter every day before being married is the rule once a week after you are married. Ada wants to consider this cause.
In your letter you said the baby would be spoiled and petted, exactly so. Lyda would just take its part all the time. I know darn well she thinks it will be hers. Well we will get away soon as possible and then bring it up right. Don’t let Lida see this or she will belt my ears. I know how other people spoil their children and so much take steps to remedy.
Now Madeline this letter is quite long and interesting. I have no news from here I had news from Gene and says their crops are heavy also says Father is very lonesome for us boys. They spoke of you so much and expect will be unable to go out this fall now. Tell Father all the news if you get a chance. You must tell him when the baby comes. Gene says he is much help in the harvest and help Harry too. Mrs Ross has gone away. I bet she gets married if gets a chance. Lola is cranky alright but sh won’t drive Gene as he always takes his time. Mrs Thoman always gets news first hand. Mrs Conkey is her agent for the main road. The fall fairs will be on soon now and will be improvement over last year. This country is not blessed with the like. The weather is awful wet just now and crops are suffering terribly.
Now I must close as it is late and I am orderly officer tomorrow. Alf is not returned as yet no word from him. I will try and write in a day or so. Excuse bad writing as the light is so poor. Here are a few names. Don’t laugh at them.
Alsace Lorraine
Ursula Gwendoline
Lida Gertrude
Marjorie Kathleen
Dorothy Maude
[he adds that 1 and 3 “go together”]
Any nice name will do.
Woodrow Wilson
Lloyd George
Wesley Lambton
Victor Borden
Stanley Lucas
[ he says, “These are very nice but any others will do]
Must close
Best wishes.
With love and kisses.
Your loving husband
Will X
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Bramshott, England 20 September 1917
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont. Can.
My Dear Wife,
Just a short letter tonight. Your parcel arrived today and was pleased with it. Those socks were simply the best of any yet. I have so many pairs now will not need any for a long time. I will keep those to come home with. Your Mother does go to so much trouble for me. I will write her very soon. The Housewife was just what I wanted and contained so many useful articles [see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Today%27s_Housewife]. Yes I will try and make it do until I get back to my wife. The cake was in good shape and packed in my trunk until Alf comes and we will have a nice little feast. He has a small tin of syrup sent from home which he is bringing up with him and we will have a nice lunch.
When we are feasting we will remember the senders at home. We drink to your health in silence many times while alone. No one knows how the boys think of home. It’s not that the war makes them afraid, but the life is so much different. We have no lady friends like at home. No nice homes. No pleasures, only the rough time we make ourselves. The kisses were delicious and the sugar will keep a few days in hopes Alf will come along.
Gordon Brown has transferred to Witley with Fred. He left today. I guess he likes to get with Ed Crawford. I had a letter from Brooks tonight. He is fine and just having a fine time, expects to go up front line soon. They are asking for mail, so they have patience a few days, it will get there, as I looked about it and had it sent on at once. The boys all got lots of mail this time.
Well Madeline it is awful wet here and tonight a nice fall of rain cleared up cool. The rainbow was the brightest in a long time. Some more officers were warned for France tonight, but none of us. We heard they will not send us over until all the first ones go over first. I will be some time yet. Things look good so tonight’s paper.
I am in the orderly room and trying y best to see to write. Excuse my bad writing. Also sending you a paper and a pamphlet. I have no news tonight. Will try and write better letter on Sunday. Gordon Brown give me a nice laugh today over this expected baby. Picture you writing and telling me such things about some one before we were married. Some couples get deep in their love affairs. Ernie’s girl told him and also Gordon’s as well. Such is single life.
Must close. Best wishes,
Your loving husband,
Will x
Remember me to all. Tell Lida to write if possible.
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Bramshott, England
24/9/17
Mrs W.A. Williams,
Arkona, Ont, Canada
My Dear Wife,
This is Tuesday eve. 25 and as I am idle will write you a few lines. I am well, and have just had a nice bath, so feel pretty fine. I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying yourself. today was warm and tonight is cool and cloudy.
I have been busy lately and was out last night on field work. I thoroughly enjoy training at night, and had the company all to myself. This evening the officers played a picked team of mens football and neither scored a goal. I played in the forward line, and didn’t get hurt for a wonder. We were all togged up in our uniforms of blue and yellow and looked fine. All the other work of the day would take too long to tell.
Alf is going on the ranges this week. All the boys are well. While I was drilling today seen Ross Herrington and hardly knew him. He was surprised to see me. He is now a member of our Bn. and will be quite at home. It is nice to see old faces again.
No word as yet of when we’ll pull out for France, likely this weekend. Madeline excuse my boasting all the courses I had was at Bexhill and Aldershot and am sending me to France. All the others have had several courses and are still held. Stokes, McMillan have to take another course before leaving. I never had a Pioneer course, but am sure can do the work. Mr Fyffe has taken trench warfare and the Pioneer course and has no chance. Scott, Swift and Trainor are taking courses all the time. I guess you old hubby must be working some. Well, I didn’t sign to kill time and will always do my best.
The Q.C. where I go is Col. Allen of Toronto and the Adj. is Capt. Tyler who was bank manager in Forest at one time. I know many of the officers and also the boys. I hope we’ll win what I am after and prove myself a good officer. I intend seeing the trunk to Mrs Jones' brother-in-law who offered to look after anything belong to Alf or myself.
I suppose my little wife will be much disappointed with this news but you are brave and will stand it. If only I could be with you soon, but will remember you always and at all times. Our little baby is what I look forward to so much. Could I only see it once would be satisfied. Your husband has a little responsibility on his hands these days. Don’t you think so? Who is doing much better. Madeline these letters cannot be answered before our baby arrives. I pray it may be spared and a beautiful baby just like its Mother. Have patience and trust in God all will be well. Must close.
Lots of love and kisses,
Your loving husband.
Remember me to all.
Will x
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Bramshott, Hants, England
Sunday 6 P.M. 30/9/17
Mrs W.A. Williams
Arkona, Ont, Can
My Dear Wife,
I hope this letter will be interesting and also encouraging to you. I am well, only a slight cold, which is rather unpleasant in summertime. I trust this letter finds you in health and full of cheer. Madeline it’s hard to write you of course as you are so likely to be a sick girl very soon. But should that happen may it be one of happiness immediately. Should your sickness be trying and suffering great remember one far away is praying for your health. Our little baby will make up for it all, and your troubles will be forgotten very soon. I only wish I could be with you.
The weather here is grand and the day is warm and very still. The nights are very bright and the Huns are raiding this old island every night. I wish they would stay away as they are only a nuisance. I suppose in Canada the war seems terrible by now so it is, but it’s all going our way now. I wish they could only feed us a little better and the people in general.
I will close Madeline and write again before going to France. You must be brave now and do feed that wee baby the very best. I will tell you all I can while in France. Don’t get discouraged as its my ambition to do my best and very anxious to go across.
Your loving husband, Will X
Remember me to all.
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