The correspondence is mainly to Wilson's parents in Alva (also to P[rimrose], N[ancy] and S[andy]) and describes his daily life and duties, including comments on military action and giving descriptions of the areas in which he is based. Includes (197) letter, 15 April 1917, Weybridge, to James Blackburn Wilson from Susie Preston, sister of "Rochan" (Ronald Preston) enclosing a knife which has been engraved. Also (143) "Verdun Heroes Honoured", a cutting from The Continental Daily Mail. n.d.
(201-253) 8 May 1917 - 16 October 1917. During service as a Private with "A" Company, 2nd Artists' Rifles OTC, Hare Hall Camp, Romford, Essex. Includes (214) "Programme of the Grand Fete in aid of the Artists' Rifles V.A.D. Hospital; Hare Hall Camp, 2 June 1917".
During service with the 5th Reserve Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at Galashiels, June and July 1918, and with the 7th Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders at the Highland Territorial Force (Reserve) Brigade, Officers' Instructional Camp, Dreghorn, near Edinburgh, July - October 1918.
During service with the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (mainly attached to the 8th Black Watch) in France and Belgium, October - December 1918, and during a period of illness and convalescence at Kitchener Hospital, Brighton, December 1918 - February 1919. Also includes: (412) 2 January, 1919, Alfred Hougardy to James Blackburn Wilson. Offers good wishes and hopes for Wilson's recovery together with news of himself and his own family. (407) 3 January, 1919, Private J.G. Pottinger, 8th Black Watch, to James Blackburn Wilson. Gives news of himself and the 8th Battalion and hopes for Wilson's recovery. (422) 20 January, 1919, Zettie Preston, Weybridge, to James Blackburn Wilson. Gives news of family and invites Wilson to pay a visit to Weybridge. (423) Newspaper cutting, "Flour by the sack: One per house Allowed", The Daily Mail, 24 January 1919. (436) Newspaper cutting, "A Goose-Year" by J.C. Bristow-Noble, in unidentified newspaper, n.d. (439) 12 February, 1919, "Rochan" (Ronald Preston), to "My Dear Old Wullie" (James Blackburn Wilson). Gives news of demobilization.
thence to a "manufactory for cycles and motorcycles, working for a ill woman so she could get a paid leave. That is duty of a national socialistic student". Has been in the mountains distributing Christmas presents to the poor. ("Gigantic woods, deep-seated valleys and high steep meadows in the mountains ... I am surprised by the charm and the beauty of its loneliness and solitude.")
"Reform-attempts" in the University; constraints of military organisation, "the struggle against the church"; threats of war; in Munich meeting girls and boys from all over the world, and knowing that they may have to fight, "friends against friends". Hopes that Hitler "will save us". Prefers to listen to less political radio stations in English. Hopes to visit England, but has learned about differences between Scots and English through his father's having read "Butcher's Broom" by Neil M. Gunn. [2pp].
To "Lucy" from Hilda van den Brandeler van Randwyck. Her husband has managed to keep out of German hands. Her son had to keep hidden. Many died in camps or were executed for underground work, which everyone did. Describes difficulties of obtaining food: "We all look more or less like Ghandi". Explosions of V-bombs Launched nearby.
Vienna. Acknowledges postcard. Reminiscence of Dollar, 14 years past. Has been working on a scheme for bringing youth of different nations together. Hans Gerd in Yugoslavia, hopefully working as a doctor.
From "Dorothy", Vienna. Believes first letter, containing stamps, has been lost, probably due to the censoring authorities. Hopes to re-establish friendships after war. Still studying for exams. Hans Gerd is still a P.O.W. in Yugoslavia; they are still without news from him.
"Letter No.1". Unhappy that letters have not been answered. Is going to England this summer through the Educational Interchange Council, and hopes to make it up to Scotland, despite lack of money.
"If I have my certificate of maturity, I must go as a one year's volunteer", and then to "college of medicine"; would like to visit Scotland; his tours on cycle, car and foot through the Alps.
