Dear Emmie

Yours to hand of the 27th ult. The common saying in France for “How are you” is Comment alez vous, literally “how go you” but I dare say “commens partey vous” is better French. I suppose G.Todd is home now (lucky dog). I think released Ps.O.W. get two months leave and £5 down but perhaps they will from some scheme for demobilizing them quickly.

Please tell Herbert Bertie that I would be quite alright in the middle of Sahara Desert because of the sand which is there. (Compre). Sorry to hear that the flu’ has broken out again I hope you will all keep free from it. We have bacon almost every day, or what is called bacon, but I think sometimes we get French boar which when salted is exactly like bacon. Yes! I hope to be home for good by next Summer and I think there is every possibility.

I think soldiers of 19 who are signing on are liable to be sent abroad. We are having a lecture or something on education I think this morning so I will have to leave this letter in a minute.

I read that piece about the lead swinger and the band and no doubt cases have occurred very similar: in fact is a musician was to get to a base, sick, it would probably mean a three or sometimes six months job in a band. Some chaps are excellent at it. How do you go on for butter and cheese in England now: I think there is a shortage out here, our rations are wicked lately. I suppose it doesn’t matter now the war is over. We are moving to another village soon and I hope things will improve there.

Has your office moved yet? Please will you send me a couple of candles if it is no trouble for you to get them, they will come in very handy. We have a canteen but as usual there is nothing in it. I think somebody else has a pick before privates. I have nothing any good to write now so will close

With Love

From Yours with the Hun

Will xx

Dearest Emmie

We are still at the same place but hope to be moving soon. It is Advent Sunday today and I went to H.C. this morning the first time for a long time. Please remember me to Mrs Thomson (your aunt) when you see her. What did Bertie think of the wedding or rather the marriage? I suppose he had something sausey to say. Glad to hear G.Todd is on his way home he will be in England soon. I reckon he’s been jolly lucky, don’t you? I feel sorry for Mrs Mayne myself she is left all on her own now but I know Mum will help her as much as poss: I am now going on parade for about half an hour and will continue this by some artificial light. I have still plenty of ink tablets left thank you. I don’t think I have used a third yet. I would like to have a go at “Christ & his Soldiers” on the organ, I’ve only tried bits but not all through. It is all easy enough on the piano. We generally have a tune of an evening now that it is too dark to go anywhere and there is also nowhere of any amusement here. I dare say we will have a better time when we settle down for the winter, if we do: it is rumoured that our Brigade is having a concert party out from England so that would be alright. Of course rumours are generally told the wrong way round with a bit added on by the time it has been through a few hands, so I will tell you. We might have a band sent to us, of course it is about time and it would be très bon. I might be able to get a little practice. While I am writing this there are two of the boys playing home sweet home on clalrinettes. How is Maude going on do you see much of her now or rather do you see her often? I hope you have a good time Christmas wish I could be with you, will let you know what kind of a time we have.

Donald is sitting on my left and are both stop writing and looking at each other every now and then as there is not much to write about so I will close; hope to get a letter tomorrow.

Best love from

Will

Dearest Emmie

The night is dark and I am far from home and I also havn’t very much to say for myself but I will endeavour to write you a few lines. I generally get your letters in bunches but I hope I get one tomorrow as it is now three days. Of course they must be going to the Reception camp. I didn’t think of that before. I think I told you in a previous letter that I could not answer your puzzle of the cats & dogs although I pondered over it for some considerable time and also some other boys had a go at it but all failed. I am going to set you one now. Can you solve “151224169604” The puzzle is in the numbers as they stand without writing them again. Can you do it? I wrote to C Gibbs this evening. I think he has been gassed but only slight. Well my dear please excuse short letter and also pencil and let me have a nice long letter next time.

With Fondest Love

From Will xxx

Dearest Emmie

Just a few lines to let you know that I am going on alright with my new job. It does not seem true that the war is finished, it must be glorious in London now with all the lights on full. The rumour is that we are moving down the line but I don’t know how far or what for.

I am looking forward to either a leave or my ticket now so we won’t be long now. One regt. out here got so excited that they wouldn’t go on parade and boo’d the colonel: now they have 60 vacancies for leave taken away from them so I suppose our batt felt a little benefit. It’s silly to get revolting out here. I suppose I had better start saving for civvy life now I don’t think I have a much as a collar stud. Oh yes, I have a watch chain and a swastika to wear but of course I’ll want something to attach it too.  How is the organ going. Does it sound any better now. I can almost guess what it is Bertie thinks I will be surprised at but we gave been taught out here not to be taken by surprise. Ask him if he compres. Please excuse this paper but I will let you have some better next time if poss. Oh! For somebody to say good night to. I wonder if you care for me so much now do you? I hope so. What is happening to W Lowry now have you heard.

Well my dear au revoir

With Fondest Love

From Yours Ever

Will xxx

Dearest Emmie

Just a few lines to let you know that I am going on alright with my new job. It does not seem true that the war is finished, it must be glorious in London now with all the lights on full. The rumour is that we are moving down the line but I don’t know how far or what for.

I am looking forward to either a leave or my ticket now so we won’t be long now. One regt. out here got so excited that they wouldn’t go on parade and boo’d the colonel: now they have 60 vacancies for leave taken away from them so I suppose our batt felt a little benefit. It’s silly to get revolting out here. I suppose I had better start saving for civvy life now I don’t think I have a much as a collar stud. Oh yes, I have a watch chain and a swastika to wear but of course I’ll want something to attach it too.  How is the organ going. Does it sound any better now. I can almost guess what it is Bertie thinks I will be surprised at but we gave been taught out here not to be taken by surprise. Ask him if he compres. Please excuse this paper but I will let you have some better next time if poss. Oh! For somebody to say good night to. I wonder if you care for me so much now do you? I hope so. What is happening to W Lowry now have you heard.

Well my dear au revoir

With Fondest Love

From Yours Ever

Will xxx