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 21^st 1916

Dear Father

Many thanks for your welcome letter.  I am glad you enjoyed yourself at Thames Ditton & that they are all well.

Everything is going alright here it is not so bad under canvas now it is better weather although it is rather warm at present.

I had a good try to get on to the Dental Staff saw the Colonel about it, he is the highest one here but the army rules are that nobody can obtain a transfer to the R.A.M.C. or the A.S.C. that is for General Service so I shall have to go through & make the best of it.  I don’t think there is much chance of getting to Aldershot either so I should be very pleased to receive a parcel when you have time to send one along.

Well Father I am still looking forward to seeing you but it seems quite impossible at present as we have to do Sunday parades now; several of us enquired about it last week; I shall be going on the range firing soon that is practically the last stage we get home for 4 days after that; but of course we might be over here a long time before going out to the front.

Have you heard how Joe Fillory is getting on?  I have met several Southend men here lately; one that used to go to the Higher Grade School with me now living at Westcliff.

I have not very much news to tell you this time so must conclude.

Hoping you are all well

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf