"Willie" Smith was a private in the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. From July 21, 1941 until July 7, 1944 he kept a journal of his experiences. Many of the entries talk about his good friend, Rodney , as well. Smith trained in Britain from July 30th, 1941 until June 5th, 1944. He participated in D-Day and was seriously wounded on July 6th, where his journal ends.

July 31st, 1941 - We took a train today which brought us to Aldershot where we'll be staying for a while at the Albuhera barracks. They gave us our leaves almost as soon as we got here. Lots of guys seem to be going to Scotland. Me and Rodney haven't decided yet.

August 5th, 1941 - Slowly getting used to England. It's a little different from home but not too much. I've had the chance to see new places over the last few weeks. England is alright. I've met some new people. Oddly enough, I've gotten to know things about Rodney that I never knew before! Imagine, after being friends for 21 years, since I was born, I still don't know everything about Rodney! Rodney can drink five beers and still act sober. We sneaked in after curfew last night and a major came to talk to us. I could hardly stand while Rodney chatted away as if he had never drunk five beers. If he hadn't been there, I would have had my leave revoked for God knows how long. What could I do without old Rodney?

August 15th, 1941 - Nothing much going on yet. I've been meeting lots of new guys. Some are practically my neighbours, if you can believe that. I went to school with some of them. Some of them are jerks but I get along with most of them. There's this one guy called Grant Howard. He has to be the funniest guy I have ever met. He just keeps telling us these great stories from back home and old girlfriends and we can laugh at them non stop for 15 minutes. My stomach and my face hurt so much because of that.

August 28th, 1941 - Sorry I haven't been writing that much. I keep forgetting about the journal. It's hard to keep track of it when you're not used to writing in it every day. Nothing new really.

Sept. 9th, 1941 - The King and Queen came to visit Aldershot today. I only saw them walk by me but they actually talked to Rodney and asked him where he was from. He said they were really nice.

Oct. 10th, 1941 - I know. I have to write more. Training should start soon. Some of the guys have been leaving a lot lately. They've met some girls that they liked. I don't think it's such a good idea. The girls are getting attached to them but half of these guys are using them like paper towels. This one guy said he's been out with at least 25 girls in about 2 months, that's almost impossible.

Oct 21st, 1941 - Col. Ralston came and reviewed us today. He's the Minister of National Defence. One of the guys, Tom got to talk a while with him. He said he was a nice guy.

Oct 27th, 1941 - Training began today at Broxhead Common. We've got the guys from the 11th Canadian tank battalion training with us too. Nice guys. Nothing real tough at training. I'm not completely exhausted.

Oct 29th, 1941 - We've moved to the Chichester area. It's in the south of England, so I'm told. I wish I had a map! Don't know exactly why we're here. Rodney says it's because they want us to stop any kind of Germans trying to land on the coast (we're near the channel, by the way). We've replaced the London Irish and London Scottish Regiment.

Oct 31st, 1941 - It's Halloween. I'd promised my little sister, Maureen, I'd bring her trick or treating this year. Last year, I hadn't gone with her. Instead I had gone to a dance that turned out to be terrible. I can't believe I missed that, I felt so guilty afterwards. Now I don't even know when will be the next time I go trick or treating with her let alone the next time I see her.

Nov 5th, 1941 - Nothing new today. I'm not too happy, there's been a lot of rumours circulating that there are a few German attacks coming our way soon. I can't even sleep at night.

Dec 10th 1941 - Good news! On Christmas Day, some companies are going to organize a party for some young British orphans. Maybe one of the kids will remind me of my little sister Maureen. If something can cheer me up right now, its children.

Dec. 15th, 1941 - The good news just keeps coming! I finally got a letter from home today. I actually got a whole package. There had been a mix up and my letters couldn't be delivered to me. So now I have 10 letters from mom and the whole family all dating between August up to now.