Dear Emmie

I havn’t had a letter from you since Christmas eve but will try to write something. We (the drums) had our Xmas dinner last night and I am pleased to say it was a complete success. I think 27 in all had dinner but there are about 10 away on courses and in hospital etc. We had a comic out of one of the concert parties and he kept things lively. We borrowed a large room (Estaminet) and also a piano for our Brig. orchestra. We had two turkeys, meat and veg, and fruit and custard second course; it was très bon. There were plenty of drinks and cigars and cigarettes so you will guess we had a lively time. I was one of a few who knew what I was doing near the end. I guess some of them felt the power of weak French wine. We had dances and songs and I played most of the time. We finished at 10.30pm and I dare say we won’t have such an evening in the Army again unless we are here for next Xmas.

One of the drummers is going home on demobilisation staff as he is an old soldier: not a bad job. It is surprising the number of people that attend church in France they seem to come away in mass formation after nearly every service. I was not able to attend the service this morning as I am on guard but çe ne fait rien (as is on everybody’s lips for everything. (ça le guerre.) I would like you to get me a nib for my pen please as I can make nothing of the one I have now. [crossed out] I would like on a shade finer s’il vous plait. I will close now hoping to hear from you soon.

Fondest Love

From Will xxx

Dear Emmie

Christmas is over for you now and I hope you enjoyed yourself, of course I wish I had been with you but perhaps I will be with you for Xmas 1919: at least I hope so. We had a fairly good dinner on the 25th but ours (the drums) is coming off tonight. I am looking forward to a good time and will let you know how it went down when I write next. I havn’t had a letter for a few days now but hope to get a short epistle today. I had one other Xmas card besides yours and that was from Chigwell. It’s a good job I sent them one. It hasn’t stopped raining here for two days now so you can guess what its like. All the gutters are like small streams. I will have to leave this letter now as I have volunteered to do “orderly man” for dinner.

I have finished reading the “Vow” and also “White Dove” and I think I liked the former better although “White Dove” is a good tale. B.Thorne (I think I have mentioned him before) one of the old band boys went to hospital today with a boil. Everybody goes to hospital for the least thing now rather different than when hostilities were on. I will close now and write again soon.

Fondest love

From Will xx

Dear Emmie

Just a few lines as it is Christmas Eve and I am on guard (which comes nearly every day now) and havn’t anything to do now until 9 o’cl. I don’t know what kind of a time we will have tomorrow but I will let you know. I am hanging up my largest sock tonight but there is no chimney so I will have to leave the door open. You will be surprised to hear that I have had my watch mended. I gave it to one of the men going on leave as he knew for certain he could get it mended so I am alright again now. I think I told you that Donald went into hospital so he will not be here for tomorrow unless he is very quick now. Ho long holiday have you this Xmas? A fairly long one I should think. The various companies of this Batt are so spread out that three buglars are required. I am billeted in an estaminet for tonight and have actually a proper bed.

I have only received one Xmas card so far and that is from you but of course there is plenty of time tomorrow. I didn’t send many this year, only four, I have got into a “don’t care” sort of way and take everything as it comes. Perhaps I will wake up when I get back to work.

I don’t really know of any more to write at present so I will close hoping that you all have as good a time as poss.

With Fondest Love

From Will xx