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Billington, Roy M., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Class of ’19 (B.S.A.). Medals/Honours: Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). Military Service: Sergeant, Reg. No. 150034, 12th Bn., 98th Reserve, 4th Co. Attestation Papers. Diary Reference: “Held a “Gazette” meeting in the Aud. [W. R.] Leslie appointed Editor next year. Later, officers were elected for the orchestra … [R. M.] Billington on the committee, “ 1:19 Mar ’15.
Additional Biographical Information:
1917
Undergraduate, R. M. Billington, 150034, 12th Bn., 98th Reserve, 4th Co. (Gassed).” University of Manitoba, Archives and Special Collections, Managra, v. XI, No. 1 (Nov 1917), 7.
Sergt. Roy Billington.
France, December 4, 1917
Dear Mr. Jackson:
Your most welcome letter of October 12 just arrived after many travels, as my present address is 1st Canadian Machine Gun Company, France, and I am sorry I have not previously written to some of the old boys re the change, as by doing so I might have kept more in touch with college affairs and news, which is very welcome, especially in times of stress and danger. Conscription is the main topic of the troops at present and the result of our votes will be the best indication of our thoughts. We still have a hard nut to crack, but if, as you say, “Do Something” was a motto for all concerned, a bust up would soon take place. I see quite a few of the boys now and again, but many gaps have been left and anybody who gets away alive is certainly lucky. If I am permitted to arrive safely home again I think my observation of French agricultural methods will be of some value. It is surprising to see the American methods which are being introduced, especially on the latest battlefields and just near us, at present are a few tractors pulling gang plows and turning over land at a surprising rate, especially to the natives, who use extensively a two-way plow and thus terrace the hillsides by constantly out-throwing the soil. Well, with best wishes for Christmas and New Year’s, I close for the present.
P.S. - Many thanks for the parcel, but hardly expect it to arrive, due to the address and quantity of Christmas mail.
Yours truly
Sergt. Roy Billington, 150034
University of Manitoba, Archives and Special Collections, The Managra, v. XI, No. 3, (Jan. 1918), 3.
1919
Billington-Parnell. A wedding of interest to many at M.A.C. took place at George Street Congregational Church, Croyden, London, when Roy Billington, D.C.M., was married to Gwendolyn May Parnell, of Alverstone, Castlemaine Avenue, Croyden.
University of Manitoba, Archives and Special Collections, Managra, v. XIII, No. 1 (Nov. 1919), 44.