William Strauss Motter, the eldest of four children of George and Margaret Strauss, was born in York, Pa on November 19, 1896. While a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania he and his fellow Penn student Samuel Brenner enlisted at Columbus Barracks, Ohio on March 16, 1918. He attended aviation school at Kelly Field Texas until June 20, 1918. He was a private in the 85th, 137th, 407th, and 254th Aero Squadrons serving in Europe from 6/29/1918 to 12/4/1918. He was discharged 12/21/1918. After the war he returned to York and married Marion Smith on June 29, 1921. They had one child, daughter Jean Atkinson Motter, born on August 14, 1922. William held a number of different positions including order clerk for a machine shop, salesman for an electric company. In 1940 he resided in Hellam, PA and worked as an executive in a machine shop.
He would reenter the military and was on active service from May 7, 1941 to November 19, 1944, achieving the rank of major. In 1950 he and Marion resided at 824 Loyola Drive in Baltimore. They would relocate to California, where he died on August 18, 1966 in Alameda, California. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery.
in England,
Aug. 28th. 1918.
My dearest Parents:
Since my letter Sunday, Sam has been away and I’m still alone, but the prospects of his return are very good. Our Lieutenant has requested his return through London and I believe it will come through all O.K. for us.
With this letter I am trying a new system of sending my letters. We are allowed two letters a week to be sent direct through to the base censor, so I shall send yours that way. I believe it will hasten their departure from England, otherwise they spend too much time here before they get on their way. Let me know the result.
Our tennis tournament is over and two Yanks won it. They each got a waterman fountain pen. There were three young teams & 14 English. It surely was a pleasure for us to participate in it even tho we didn’t do much. Play mingled with English Lieuts & Captains & were treated royally. Add several pleasant teas with them. We surely are getting the tea habit. I’ll surely have to continue to practice when I get back to the states, Ford is a good one. England is a wonderful country and our stay here will prove beneficial in many ways.
I haven’t been able to have requisitions for packages signed as yet, but hope to soon.
Give my love to all,
You’re a loyal son,
William.
William S. Motter #436612,
Care U.S. Air Service
London, Via New York.
England
Sept. 3. 1918.
My dear Parents:
Yesterday it was “Labor Day” and thru the consideration of the Captain, or probably it was done all thru the A.E.F., we were given a holiday-not that we needed it, because our regular fort-nightly holiday will be to-morrow, but it didn’t seem good to Rome around on an American holiday. Sam being gone, I chummed with a fellow friend from Harrisburg, now he is leaving so I am lost absolutely to myself. However, I can manage alone until Sam & I are re-united. What counts a lot is that I like my work and I’m always busy and have something to occupy my mind at all times. To-morrow I’m going by bike to see Art. Jennings. He is only 15 miles from here so it is quite convenient for us to go back & forth to see each other. I don’t know where “Smiles” Harland is, but Singleton is in a hospital in France. I think he is out by now for that was six or seven weeks ago. I sure would like to see him again. We hated to leave him over in France by himself, but he’s able to take care of himself.
I hope by the end of this month, Ed will have found himself in Cornell in the R.O.T.C., for you know Lehigh is supposed to mil. training in that they won’t install an R.O.T.S. it is obvious that it should be in an O.T.S. for upon completion of his engineering he will be in line for a commission.
In my course at Penn. I couldn’t do that as I should have remained in college, but as he is taking a so called essential course, he should stick to it in a university where he can be earning a commission in the meantime.
I wrote Marg. a letter hoping she would receive it by the 16th as it contains birthday sentiments. I surely hope you all are getting all my letters, for I haven’t heard a word from the states for 2 ½ months. So send them fast when you start, but I guess I need to tell you to do that for I know you have already started.
I am now attached to the 307 squadron instead of 85th because the 85th left here.
My best love to all from
your loyal son,
William.
William S. Motter #436612,
307th Sqdn. (Att from J.A.R.D.)
Care U.S. Air Service
London, Via New York.
Grantham. England
September 7th 1918
My dear Parents:
You are no doubt surprised to find the name of the city where I am now stations, at the top of the page. Official notice was received here several days ago to the effect that we were not allowed to stay where we were stationed and picture post-cards to the states. In accordance I sent yesterday a card of Winchester of the close gate. Sam & I passed escape on our way to the Cathedral of Winchester-it is quite a historic place most interesting to go thru. Well that Winchester, we also saw King Arthur’s Castle as well as the round table. It is, as described in history and most unique. Georgie will be interested to know that I have seen it. I also went over the same road the pilgrims traversed on the march to Canterbury. We are constantly encountering things which are closely associated with English history-I’m so glad that I know English history, four and has greatly enhance my appreciation of England. And it’s surely one grand country. On my service leave, which I shall have about November 1st I shall travel Scotland – Glasgow & Edinburg.
Received a letter to-day from Johnny Motter from France. I wrote him upon arrival here & just received the answer-he answered immediately upon receiving it too. He’s only 4 miles from that bunch of Yorkers who won with the ice plant unit and he likes it fine – you can’t blame him, eh? He is now a sergeant in the 667th Squadron hi son I’m still a Buck private in no squadron. You told me that he heard that Jason Snyder & Doug Read had come home, having flunked out. Hope it is a fallacy.
As yet I haven’t received any mail from the states and then becoming quite anxious about it.
Sam is gone too, which makes it doubly hard. I don’t know when we’ll see each other again.
Am enjoying best of health and happy. Hope you all are well & in best of spirits.
Best love to all,
Your true son,
William
Address me: #436612,
Att. 307th Sqdn. (from J.A.R.D.
Care U.S. Air Service
35 Eaton Place, London, S.W.1
England, Via New York.
Grantham, Eng.,
Sept. 13, 1918.
My dear Parents:
As yet I have received no mail – I wish someone would get busy & see that I get it, for there must be about 20 or more letters for me somewhere & I guess I’ll get them all at one time and probably won’t appreciate them as much as if I had received them separately.
Am enclosing a copy of our “Y” newspaper, which we get every day-every man doesn’t get them heighten they come to the “Y”. This and the “Stars and Stripes” are what keep us posted as to activities in the states & in France & England. We read no American news in the English papers.
In the past few days, I have heard some wonderful talks at the “Y”, the results of which led me to sign the service pledge a copy of which the YMCA will send to you. I have the stub in my testament. My testament is not at the bottom of my barracks bag, but has found a place higher up, for I am, not reading it, but studying it. I believe I have begun to lose my infidelity and skepticism and I’m thinking more deeply than before of the great Internet mind which rules my mind open mind, the greatest of all things-the one thing by which man is guided. I am thinking more deeply of everything and find that I can console myself with thoughts and silence. When one is silent, he is thinking; when one speaks he interrupts his thoughts. Hope you receive the “Y” card, for it is sincere. Don’t think that fear has brought about this change. My mind is too full of Hun hatred to allow fear to enter. I have no fear – and absolutely none. My mind tells me not to fear but be feared as it were.
Heard a talk on the history of this section of England the other night and discovered that I have seen Queen Isabella’s castle, Bunyon’s place of imprisonment, and the castle in which Dorothy Vernon was married as depicted in “Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall”, without knowing it at the time. Beaver castle, where D. Vernon was married is a magnificent place. If possible I’ll shall send you an actual photo of it. I also plan to send use some Nottingham lace – have you ever heard of that lace? I’m sure you have.
I wish you would send me some American Express money orders amounting to at least 100 dollars, for I will have my service leave in November and wouldn’t be able to take it on my army pay. Travel is education and this may be my last opportunity to do the traveling. My allotments will make up for it when you get enough of them. You will receive no remittance for July, for the allotment automatically lapsed from June to Aug. when I re-made it. I realize now that I never should have re-made it, but probably later I’ll be thankful I did, but please send the money orders put my serial number back of my name when making them.
Hope all are well & happy as I always am.
devotedly your son,
William
#436612,
Attached to 307th Sqdn. A.E.F.
Care, U.S. Air Service,35 Eaton Place
London, SW1, Via New York.
Harlaxton, Grantham, Eng.,
September 20, 1918
My dear parents:
Two days ago I received my first email from the states. One from Mother from Wilmington, dated July 14th, three from dad dated July 15th, 23, and Aug. 7th. one from Tomie from Ground School dated Aug. 14th., and one from Mrs. Smyser, dated May 14th. which had been sent to Camp Meritt before I got there. It truly did me a lot of good to read your letters, before I had waited so long for a word from you that it had begun to worry me a bit. I am so glad to know that mother went down south, for the change and rest Shirley must’ve done her a world of good, and help to take your mind off the fact that I am over here. I have been riding regularly ever since I arrived over here and I can’t understand why you haven’t got 10 more than that card from France; but it takes at least a month each way so soon you will be receiving them more regularly.
I am glad to know that Ed is in the service, in the “nyvee” as an Englishman call it; but you know what I suggested and an earlier letter about our R.O.T.C. at Cornell, and I surely hope he has found his way there by the time you receive this letter. It is Noble to enlist, but he can be a more service if he is trained as an engineering officer at Cornell. In three years he would be assured of a commission worth having, and one that he needed to be ashamed of. I hoped surely that he would profit by my mistake.
At last I have been assigned to a squadron and I am no longer attached or detached as I have been so far. Yesterday an order came in ordering me to Nottingham, to the 137th squadron there, so I expect to leave here tomorrow. I am glad that I am finally assigned but I hate to leave here and my good associates here, where I have made some mighty good friends on the station. I have been helping the Y secretary for the past week, trying to straighten out his accounts. These ex-ministers who are Y secretaries now, know very little about keeping accounts so I volunteered to help him. He is from Kentucky, and happens to know the Kindigs at home, he went through the Grand Canyon and the Exposition with them in 1915. She only knows George and Joe.
I haven’t heard from Sam for nearly 2 weeks and having the slightest idea where he is by now. I suppose that he is in France, for he expected that that was where he was headed for when I last heard from him, I wish I could hear from him for him anxious to know about him, as well to tell him the news you wrote me.
Give my best to all as I cant write to everyone.
With some serious love, your devoted son
Pvt. Wm. S. Motter, #436612,
137th Aero. Squadron, U.S. Air Service,
35 Eaton Place, London, England,
American Expeditionary Forces,
Via, New York.
Hucknall,
Nottingham, Eng.
Sept. 28, 1918
Dear Dad:
I just re-read your three letters which I received about 10 days ago. It was my first mail from you and mighty welcome I’m sure you. Not having heard from anyone for 2 ½ months was hard, but the spell is broken now and I am anxiously awaiting the next bunch.
I am considering seriously of cabling home for money. As you know, a private pay over here after deducting allotment & insurance is only 1150 per mo. (or 2£, 8S. and 3d. in English money) and transferred to Eng. money, goes twice as fast as American. A 10 shilling note (= to 2.40 in U.S.) goes exactly like a dollar bill, and the pound note (4.80) goes like a two spot so you can see how far 2£ 8/3 goes. I shall discontinue my allotment, for you don’t need it that’s a cinch and I can use it most advantageously in seeing England. I expect to have my service leave at seven days about Nov. 1st so will go to London and take it all Lynn. While there I can stay at the American University Union, of which I am a member and use the St. James Hotel as my home then. I am looking forward to this time when I can increase my knowledge of the British Isles. It’s almost take money, but the educational value will far exceed the actual cost.
I told you my last letter that I was finally assigned to a squadron (137th). It truly is a fine squadron too and I am glad to be a member of it. Look for Nottingham on the map and see that I didn’t have to travel far on the “toy trains” to be transferred. Unless some thing unforeseen happens, I shall be in the squadron until the end of the war. Do not address my mail to Nottingham, but as indicated at bottom of letter as well as on the envelope.
The letter from Tom telling that he is now a cadet surely made me feel badly, for right now I should be right there with him now, how did not been for my misfortune in January of having to have my tonsils removed. However, here I set up in England, keeping out of the everlasting rain – four it rains here almost incessantly, and right here in Nottinghamshire county is supposed to be the most delightful climate. The Yanks can’t see it that way however.
I have heard from Sam only one since you last about five weeks ago, I do not know where he is by now. You all can’t imagine how much I miss him. It is to me as tho I had lost him forever. Yes I know we will be reunited after the war, it’s not before.
In order to keep my letters more understanding Lee, they each one as it is received as I am doing with yours. We can compare notes when I return, for I an keeping your letters as though they were jewels – they mean more than that to me over here.
Dad, old boy, keep up your good spirit so manifested in your Leonards, for it does me more good than you know. You devoted son,
William
Pvt. Wm. S. Motter,
137th Aero. Squadron,
U.S. Air Service,35 Eaton Pl.,
London, Sw1 England,
Amer. Exp. Forces, Via N.Y.C.
Nottingham, Eng.
October 6th 1918.
My dear Parents:
Please excuse pencil for it is much easier to write with pencil under existing conditions then with pen. Ink is a bit hard to get so I’ll resort to one of Dad’s indelible pencils which I’ve had ever since I’ve been in the army.
Things surely are taking a brighter aspect now. This morning’s papers brought the news of Turkey’s surrender and that Germany is seeking an armistice on Wilson’s terms. Then too with Bulgaria out of it, the end is inevitable and in close view. We are all greatly spirited by these actions and anxiously looking forward to the time when the great conflict shall have ended and a permanent peace established for all the world.
Our present location is at Hucknall in Nottinghamshire county and is a fine place. I saw Lord Byron’s grave which is at Hucknall church yard, after the Greek commercial embassy had decorated his grave. It is a very plain grave that’s significant. I have traveled over the road it’s the Romans built on the occupied England. It is a Fine St., Road and well-kept. The world famous Nottingham Place Ismay near here, and I shall try to send some home if I may. I’m sure you must know about it, – and if not, ask Mrs. Read about it, she’ll surely know.
I had last heard from Sam. He is in the 73rd Aero Sqdn. somewhere in France. He hasn’t written in detail as to his precise whereabouts but said that he expects to see action soon. I hope he doesn’t see too much of it. I guess we haven’t a chance of getting together so long as the war lasts, but we shall spend our service leads together in London if possible the second week in November.
The government has arranged to allow so many men from each company or squadron to attend school over here after fighting ceases until his co or sqdn embarks for U.S. during that period of lying around waiting your turn to go back when everyone will be restless. I shall surely avail myself of this opportunity if possible and try to get to go to Oxford University. By so doing, I can get credit for the work I do here, at Penn, this will enable me to enter my junior year at Penn. when I return and I surely hope that by this time next year I will again be enrolled in the good old U of P.- if only for another year it will do me a lot of good get back in the swing of things civil rather than military.
I hope you have sent the pictures taken in New York by this time for I am anxious to see them.
What do you hear from Marion? I haven’t heard from her since the middle of June and don’t expect to. I had a fund letter from Betty in Phila about two months ago. She is a fine girl and writes dandy letters.
Hope all are well and happy as I. I weigh 157 now, some wait for me, eh? I’m having my picture taken & will send them as soon as possible.
That’s love to all,
devotedly your son,
William
Pvt. Wm. S. Motter,
137th Aero Sqdn,
U.S. Air-Service
London, Eng.
Hucknall Notts
15 October, 1918
My dear Parents:
As I told you in my last letter (#41) we were to be issued Xmas parcel coupons. They were issued to-day and I am enclosing same in this letter. Hope it reaches you O.K. for it’s my only chance to receive a Xmas present. I want a pound of “Edgeworth” smoking tobacco and a pound of Peters or any other good brand of solid unperishable chocolate. For the other pound, 10 box of “National” cigarettes and whatever else you can get in the box, which is obtainable through the Red Cross. You might be able to include the soxs from Helen Ehrenfelt-if not, send them to me through the A.E.F. Red cross, 154 New Bond St. London.
Read the directions carefully so that no delay will occur and above all, wrap it securely. It will be a small parcel, but I’m sure it will be appreciated. It will be some job to handle 2 million of them, wont it? Address it like the coupon, for I may not be in England Xmas-who knows eh?
Right to Sam and sent him prints of those pictures we took in Englewood I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. His address is: 73rd Aero Sqdn. A.E.F France
Here’s thanking you in advance and that’s love,
Frm William
Pvt. Wm. S. Motter
137th Aero Sqdn.
U.S. Air Service
London, Eng.
Hucknall Town
Nottingham, Eng.
22 October 1918
My dear Parents:
To-day I heard from Sam for the first time since August. Shirley was delighted to hear from him too. He is right up in the midst of things and likes it fine. He tells some mighty interesting things. Soon I shall be doing the same, for we leave here to-morrow the 23rd for embarkation point. Thank goodness too, for I am fed up on England and mighty anxious to get into action.
My plans, as I stated them in a letter to you or just before leaving Kelly Field comma oh working how to perfection aren’t they?
I had my picture taken at Notts and got them this morning. I’m enclosing one for you all and hope you like it. It’s as good as can be expected. My uniform is poor & shows up poorly; also my eyes aren’t open enof – but that’s characteristic isn’t it – symbolic of laziness not inherited; but acquired I suppose.
Well, the peace dope blew over as we expected, so we’re determined to link them to a finish and we’re all determined to do it effectively and quickly. We want our Xmas dinner in Berlin and our 4th of July (1919) at home & we’re going to have it if possible.
Letter writing is still as distressing as ever, because I haven’t heard anymore from you all. I do hope you are receiving my letters regularly and that none have gone astray because there hard enough to write without having them go wrong.
Don’t expect regular mail from now on, for I can’t tell when opportunity will present itself for me to write-yet rest assured that I’m O.K. and will write whenever I can.
Last Saturday the 19th, I bot some lace in Notts and sent it to you so be on the lookout for it. You may have to pay duty on it, but I’m sure it’s worth it. I got 32 blocks of it & enough edging to make 6 pieces one block square & 6 pieces 4 blocks square for the table. The other stuff is for shirts & kerchiefs. Hope you & Marg enjoy making it usable. It will be a diversion from wool eh? It is guaranteed to be the original Nottingham lace. The shirt stuff is the finest lace that can be made by machine. I’m enjoying best of health as ever. That’s love to all,
devotedly your son William
Pvt. Wm. S. Motter
137th Aero Sqdn.
U.S. Air Service
London, England
Codford, Wilks, Eng.
30 October, 1918.
My dearest Parents:
Lots has happened again, since I last wrote you. Not only to me but regarding things back home. I received several letters from you all telling me of Marg. & Phils marriage. I must say before I go into discussion of it that I received a letter from mother, which she wrote from the beach. It was a final letter and I had retained it as a memoir. I also received the one with the pictures. The group picture is surely fine –so are the others but not so good as a group.
Mother, you said in your letter that our minds follow the same thots. It surely is true in all ways. Just last week I sent home a photo before your letter reached me in which you asked me to have one taken. I should not exclude religion. I shouldn’t go into discussion now, so my mind is in a turmoil. I must say, however, that I have changed.
I do not know whether to submit any opinions on the matter of Marg. & Phil, or not. I do not fully understand the circumstances.21 If it was voluntary, then I have only to reprimand them for their thotlessness and frivolity; but if it was compulsory open then I am at sea as to how to take it. I am over here in England – have been away from home for many months. This all as gone on unnoticed by me. However, you did the one and only thing to do on the impulse when you have them re-united at St. Paul’s in Wilmington. I sincerely hope for the best and honorable in the matter.
I am truly sorry it happened. They do not realize what they have done; but, there is no use crying over spilled milk, so that it is the duty of all of us to try to make life happy for them. Let us forget the past, however hard it be, and perpetuate the president & plan for the future. Neither of them is educated, and Marg. has been robbed of the prime of her sweet life. I should, were I dictating to them, send them both away to school – and separate them-approve the sincerity of their love.
Do not, by any means allow either of them to read this letter. I shall write them separately.
Play the storm, mother. I know you can do it. You sent me away with a smile, so I’m sure you can stand this latest hardship which isn’t a question of life or death.
There is nothing much for us worry about any more than life and death. Life starts our troubles and death ends them. Both are out of one’s power, so after all, what is there to worry us except trifles-this event is but one of the many pages in the book of life, the front cover of which is birth; the back cover, death – then the book is completed.
Now from my army troubles. I have been transferred again. I am now in the Air Service Camp Headquarters in the 1107th Squadron, on the permanent staff, at a lonely camp in Southern England. I have a pleasant job in an office and like the change. You see, I’m used to change it now so it came as a matter of course to me. All that I look to now is the end of the war, when I will be able to go back home and stay there. Believe me, stay there. I shall not be able to go to France now, but I don’t care anymore whether I go or not. My ambitions have long since been thwarted, so let it end soon.
Keep up your noble courage and you’ll be the same wonderful mother when I return.
Love to all,
William
Pvt. Wm. S. Motter
1107th Aero Sqdn. Headquarters,
U.S. Air Service
London, Eng.
Salisbury, Eng.
Sunday, Nov. 3rd 1918
My dearest Parents:
This is Sunday and as usual it is raining and everything is dreary. I just received mother’s letter of Oct. 1st. which has cheered me up a whole lot. It surely is a great inspiration to receive your letters – and for those are about the only ones I receive now, besides Sam’s. You should read the wonderful letter he writes about our separation-he takes the separation harder than I, for he is in France, where things are worse than an England. He is with an old squadron and doesn’t know any of them doing nasty work because he is new in the squadron. He is up in the midst of “things” and lots of excitement reigns all the time. Do you have some unique experiences, which I shan’t have. It has been my misfortune-are fortune to be placed on the permanent headquarters staff here; so that I cannot go back to France. But, with the end so inevitably near, I shall have to resign myself to it & make the best of it, which I am capable of doing, I’m sure. Do not worry about our separation for it is only one – and yet a great one – of our many reverses & disappointments in the army. I have got over it by now and have found a temporary friend who works in the same office with me. He is older and a good companion. He was a Lieut. in the cavalry for five years before he was transferred to the air service & thru some bawl up of orders he lost his commission. He is now trying to regain it open but those things are easier said than done.
I do hope you receive my letter with the picture in it. I am glad to know that you are receiving all my letters. The one with the poems in it was “registered” I did that so that Georgie could add to his stamp collection.2 Today I have received the following letters from home: dated June 24th. The one mother sent to Kelly Field after we left there; July 15th from Dad; July 16th from Mother (written on the beach); July 23rd. from Dad at home; Aug. 7th from Dad at home; Aug, 18th from Dad in Wilmington (had camp m pictures & news of Marg’s marriage) Sept. 20th from Mother at home; and Oct 1st from Mother (the one rec’d today). I’m sure you must’ve written more than one in September so I have written to the mail office in London about it. You see my transferring so much has caused the great delay. Then I’m sure you must’ve written more than one in September so I have written to the mail office in London about it. You see my transferring so much has caused the great delay. Then too, they might have gone to the bottom of the ocean on an ill-fated boat- who knows? I believe I shall receive them regular now, since I wrote to London about it.
I am sorry that ad could not enlist as he had planned-but if they won’t let him in list, then he must wait until they call him. I only hope the new law or not have to be used before the war is over. The new registrants won’t be called if the war’s over before Xmas, which I am positive of. Major Page declared last July that it would be over by Thanksgiving heighten here’s hoping he’s right. I am entertaining all hopes and I’m good foundation, that I’ll be back by 4th of July 1919 look out for me.
Hope you receive the lace which I sent from Nottingham. It is said to be the finest made so have a good time working with it.
I shall write to Marg & Phil sometime during the ensuing week. Expect to be in London next week.
Please write more at a time as I enjoy your letters so much.
Love to all, from your ever devoted son,
William
Pvt. Wm. S. Motter
1107th Aero Sqdn. Headquarters,
U.S. Air Service
London, Eng.
1. Sam is Samuel S. Brenner, William’s classmate at the University of Pennsylvania who enlisted with him.
2. Marg is William’s younger sister Margaret born in 1901. She eloped, marrying Phillip Emerton in Atlantic City on March 31, 1918.
3. Georgie is Willam’s younger brother,