"Over Here"
9 Nov 1918
Dearest mother:
I am answering your letter of Oct. 11th at
once. Papers coming thru good and give me much pleasure. I had a long letter from
Lelia and will answer soon. She also sent some snapshots taken at the beach
this year. You must have been looking at the sun but still it is a good
likeness even tho it does not flatter you. The boys show a big change of
course. I would hardly reconize [sic] them they have certainly grown. Still it
will soon be three years that I have been away, and children can not always
stay the same. Lelia looks well and guess she would not mind if I said a bit
more stout.
I sent a base ball picture and think you
will have no trouble picking out yours truly.
Everything looks bright these days and I
believe it will be over before you get this letter. Glorious victories for our
armies every day bring the day of reckoning nearer.
I have been busy of late doing my work
(which is not a great deal) and one of the other clerks who is sick. It must be
after nine o'clock and I have only just finished getting out reports. I can
hear one of the boys in the pantry now, so guess I will have a piece of toast
with jam and coffee before retiring.
Went out to supper last night to one of the
natives and had a very good meal including a couple of their own dishes new to
me. One can have a fair time here now.
Much different from the days of old when there was too much competition.
From all reports everyone is having a great time in the newly taken cities. It
is not hard to get married over here, but don't look to do any thing rash on
this side of the water.
With fond love to you all, Errol
W.W. Delland [evidently the censor]
The Armistice was signed at 5:00 A.M. on November 11, 1918, in a railway car in the Forest of Compiegne in France. A message was sent to all the Allied armies that day whose opening words were: "Hostilities will cease at 11 hours today, November 11th."
The inscription on the back of the photo below reads: “Gen Plumer’s 2nd British Army and French Mounted Troops after successful advance 1918 at Tourcoing Square.” This photo was taken in Tourcoing, France probably sometime in late October after the Germans had been driven out of the city or possibly after the signing of the Armistice.]
16 Nov 1918
Dearest:
The celebrating is all over now and
everyone is looking forward to the time when we will return. Don't expect it
will be for some time after the final peace terms have been signed.
Hardly look for any more fighting as he is
not in a position to offer very strong opposition. If the Germans had not
surrendered at the time they did would have been cut off from getting back
home. The white flag saved them from a greater defeat.
The day has been cold but clear. This has
been a busy day for me and have just finished work. It must be around ten
o'clock now. This has developed into a grand little job but it is interesting
nevertheless. Back on the old books.
I don't know whether I will get my leave
next month when it is due or not.
I'll sure be glad to get back at that. Altho
I have had one good time during my sojourn here. Have a good billet where I can
get plenty to eat. That is more than some are doing on the other side of the
line.
I am expecting a letter from you most any
day now and will write again soon.
With love to you and father, I am,
Your
son, Errol
W.W. Delland[censor]
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