Pte. A Smith

No 27521

“C” Co12^th Batt

Essex Regt

Dovercourt

April 20^th

Dear Father

I received your parcel this afternoon & thank you very much you know my liking for sweets & cigarettes & the home made cake.  I know I shall enjoy.  I suppose Jess made it tell her I have had some already & it is just alright.

I had some cakes from Mrs Paternoster as well so I have got a good supply in for Easter besides bread & jam which I brought so I shall be able to look after “little mary” alright but you can bet I shall get through them without any trouble.  They wanted to know if I required a light porter to carry them home.

We have a grand treat for about three days every fortnight we are fed on dogs biscuits, but I cannot turn myself into an animal yet there is plenty of growling & barking goes on we shall want a collar & chain soon.  I think the idea is to get us used to them if we have to go in the trenches; but that is quite time enough then; I do not attempt to eat them that is why I have got bread to take up to the dining hall.  I shall keep some in memory of the army.

No doubt you have received my letter by now.  I hope you will have a good time at Farnham.  I shall have a try for next week & it will be the simplest way for you to come to Southend I will let you know as early as possible.

I am not requiring any money at present.  I can just manage alright with the 6/- pay but thank you very much for mentioning it.

Everything is going alright.  Give my love to Jess & Ethel.

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf