William Earl Close

Rank:

Private

Unit at enlistment:

H.M.S. Samuel Drake

Force:

R.C.N.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

10 Able Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

10 Able Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Labourer

Religious denominations:

Methodist

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Letters home

BX December 23, 1918

Brantford Boy on Naval Trawler – Special Sermon and Music in Commemoration of Great Day

Seaman William Earl Close has written the following letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Close, 10 Able Ave. The young seaman enlisted in the navy at Halifax in April of 1916 and after finishing his training there was sent overseas to take a position on a trawler. He is now aboard H.M.S. Samuel Drake at Devonport, England:

My Dear Mother,

Am taking the first opportunity to write you. I am well, as I hope this finds you. I left Plymouth at 1.10 on Sunday, arriving in Glasgow at 9.30 on Monday and Greenock at 11.30. I joined a brand new trawler considerably larger than the Urania and of a late and up to date style. She is at Greenock, in the north of Scotland, and her base is to be Devonport, so we have a trip of two or three days (300 miles) to do to get there. The skipper and mate are young and very nice, indeed. I am third of command and have full charge of the stores, work and crew. Everything to be dope is left entirely to me. I have an officer’s cabin, and am treated as I never was before in the service. The telegraphist and I have our cabins on the mess deck, and have every convenience possible for the size of the ship. We have a folding desk, folding wash basin, gas lights, steam heating, lockers, drawers, bunk, etc. Everything we want we only have to get done for us, and altogether we are living like gentlemen and are treated as such. I have lots of work to do, and have already earned myself the name of a hustler. The crew has orders to take all orders from me. I go ashore and buy the food and am paid extra for the trouble. I am sure you will be delighted to know this.

It seems queer to have so much responsibility, but I have got quite used to this since I have been L.S.

The skipper has promised me a strong recommendation on leaving here to be made mate or second in command. So you see I have made something of myself since I joined the navy, for which I am thankful now. Well the war is all but finished, and I am living in hopes of coming home again soon. Remember me to all my friends. I remain,

Yours lovingly,
Earl