Y.M.C.A headed notepaper

Pte. A.A. Smith

No 27521

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

Stationed at Dovercourt

June 19^th 1916

Dear Father,

I expect you received my letter I sent to Southend did not have time to write more then.

I have settled down to camp again now, but it took a little time after the enjoyable holiday I had.  When we got back on Monday we had no blankets only our mattresses; so I used my overcoat as a cover & was soon asleep; have had a bad cold since but am alright again now.  It is much better now we are having fine weather the ground is dry again.

I had a nice job on Sunday 24 hours guard.  It was jolly fine had nothing to do but lie on the sands all day watching the girls bathing; we only had to keep guard for two hours each after dark; it was like having a days holiday by the sea but very different to last Sunday.

Would you mind sending a card before you post another parcel please, & I will answer it.  There is a rumour we are moving to Romford next week; I do not believe anything until we really start there are so many tales about but this one seems to be very general.  I hope it is true I shall not be so far from home then.

I believe you said you were going to Farnham next Saturday, I hope you will have a good time remember me to all of them. I wrote to Ciss this week.

Cannot think of any more news to tell you.

Hope you are all well

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf