Feature Letter of December 12th, 2025
Curtis, Bill R.
[Written during WWII by Able Seaman Bill Curtis, Royal Canadian Navy, while stationed overseas in England. It was written to his sweetheart Audrey Addison back home in Nanaimo, British Columbia.]
My Dearest Audrey:
Hiya honey here I am again with a few lines to let you know that I am coming along pretty good. The soreness in my throat has nearly gone but the swelling is still there. The doc says I’ll be here for another week yet I sure hope he is wrong though cause I’ll go off my rocker if I have to stay here that long. It is bad enough being way over here away from you, let alone stuck in a sick-bay with with nothing to do.
What do you think of my writing duck? Simply horrible isn’t it? I am using my my chart board for a desk, it is the only handy thing around as I am not allowed out of bed, so I hope you don’t have too much trouble trying to read the chicken scratch.
When ever I get a bit lonely I look at my wristlet. Gosh honey you would be surprised how it helps; it just puts me in a different mood altogether. It seems to bring you right along beside me as though I could reach out and touch you. This may sound strange to you dear but that is just the way I feel and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I don’t believe I have ever said that to you in any of my other letters. I guess I just didn’t know how to put it in words, I hope you understand what I am saying honey, cause I mean every word of it.
How is everything at home duck? Same as ever I suppose. Do you ever see any of the gang from Courtenay around? I would sorta like to know what is cooking over on that side. How is Bob Wallace coming along? Did he get a discharge? I meant to ask you that a long time ago bit it kinda slipped my mind. No wise-cracks please. Say by golly I just happened to remember that you owe me a few bottles of Cocs, and I am not going to forgive you for gambling till you have paid your debt in full in person. Ha Ha. I might get sick drinking them but it will be worth it. I haven’t had one since I left Nan. could sure go one now.
Say duck have you written me any letters yet, if you have I haven’t received any of them and am getting mighty anxious. I still haven’t received any from mom yet either. I can’t figure out what the delay is. Surely they have my address by now. Well sweet heart this is all for now so will close. give my love to your mom and dad also Lew and “Muggie,” say hello to Bernie Lorna Ray and all the rest.
With All my Love and a million Kisses
Bill
xxxx
PS. Mighty lonesome without you honey.
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