A song for his little darling

Everett and Audrey McLellan were residents of Pleasant Valley for more than 55 years.
Everett McLellan was born in Montrose but grew up in Summerside. He enlisted in WWII from there on November 7, 1941 and was stationed to Halifax for training. There, he and Audrey (MacLean) of Cape Breton married on April 20, 1943. They were the first couple to wed at the military chapel, that just opened that day at 11:00 am; they were married that afternoon. A few months later, Everett was shipped overseas to England where he trained until D-Day, June 6, 1944. He fought on until the Allies arrived in Germany at the end of the war in 1945.  Yet, he didn't arrive home until February 1946 because there were no ships available.
Everett wrote this song for Audrey, who was living in Cape Breton while he served in WWII. The song expresses his sentiments well and sounds very much like his letters.
 
Little Darling I am Somewhere in England
Little Darling I am Somewhere in England
And I know that you're lonesome and blue
But cheer up and smile little darling
For I pray love I'll come back to you.
 
There's a prayer said each night little darling
And I know that you'll say one for me
Pray to God a life will be cheery
That the right way to gain Victory.
 
Tho the war clouds they drift dark and dreary
More hardships we'll have to go through
But be brave dear and smile for the future
For I pray love I'll come back to you.
 
But if this be my fate little darling
I'll die clear still thinking of you
Many more brave ladies will be dying
In defense of the red, white and blue.
 
So good bye for a while little darling
It may be forever that's true
But remember me still little darling
That I died for my country and you.

Read more about this couple, their family and community life on pages 262 to 264 in Pleasant Valley: Our Community History and Stories.

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