The Intelligencer October 7, 1915 (page 2)
“Mrs. B. Serviss has received the following letter from her son, W.R. Serviss:—Sept. 2nd, 1915. Dear Father and Mother,—I received your welcome letter, also the paper and pencils, and was pleased to get them. I received your letter a few days ago, and was not feeling very good. I tried to rest up all I could but when not on the roads with the horses, the banging of the guns prevented me from sleeping. For five days steady I was up at 3.30 o’clock and on the roads riding until 6 and 7 at night; it would be 10 o’clock before I would get to bed. I was living on about one meal a day. I was glad when the end came.
I caught cold in my limbs and back, and a kind of rheumatism set in from it. I am feeling a lot better today. I guess it is because it’s my birthday; I forget how old I am—this war has got me all mixed up. It is raining and there is lots of mud. I don’t know when I will get leave or anything else. This war is awful. A fellow was struck by a shell while in an attack,and after the battle was over they went along picking up the wounded. They caught hold of one fellow’s legs to put him on a stretcher, but found that he was killed. He was blown to pieces. Out here they feed corn to the horses.
I guess I will have to say good-bye for this time. I send my love to you all. Hoping this will find you all well. Answer soon. I remain, your son, Roy Serviss.”
First World War Belleville 