Y.M.C.A headed notepaper.

Pte. A.A. Smith

No 27521

Reply to “C” Company 12^th Bat Essex Regt

Stationed at Dovercourt

May 9 1916

Dear Father

I was very pleased to receive your letter.

We are having a shocking time now; went under canvas on Monday sleeping 12 in a tent it has been raining ever since.  I should be very glad of another parcel; but please leave it until you hear from me again; we are so cramped up even a box of matches takes up a lot of room perhaps we shall be able to arrange things a little better soon.

There does not seem much chance of getting a pass yet.  We have all had a good try but they treat us worse than pigs.

Cannot stop to write more now.

Glad to say I am quite well & hope you all are the same.

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf