A.A. Laporte Payne letter 4 January 1917.

B.E.F.

France.

January 4th 19167.

My own,

Thank you so much for your letter just arrived. I am back at the battery and I must send you a note before I go to the trenches, which I shall have to do in ten minutes time, so I can’t say much.  I had the joy this morning of discovering a Boche battery and I was instrumental in giving them rather a bad time this afternoon.

The weather is finer but colder so I have just been issuing some rum to the men for tea. I have not heard the secret yet.  When am I going to be enlightened?  I have never been so curious before – but then you see you are concerned.  I can’t write this afternoon my hands are so cold –please forgive the scribble.

So you guessed who sent the watch. Was it a bow at a venture or did you really guess?  You must have so many admirers.

I suppose it’s no use denying as I want to say change it if you don’t like it. I received this from the silly people “We much regret that the selection from our catalogue is not in stock at the moment, but we have sent a somewhat similar watch.”  So please change it for anything else you want.  That is the worst of living in exile.  You are at the mercy of these people.

I must reluctantly close now.

With my fondest love, darling, and many kisses.

Ever yours

Archie.

No 27521

Pte. A. Smith

3^rd Essex Regt

Att 27^th Training Reserve

“G” Company

Parkeston Harwich

Jan 4^th 17

Dear Father

Thank you very much for the parcel received to-day.  You are certainly an expert at choosing things they are all very nice; & nothing you buy seems to come up from what one receives from home.  Think of me to-night having supper I have such a variety I hardly know which to choose but I think I it will be bread & butter &jelly & I shall have to finish up with one of Ethel’s’ mince pies.  The pot of jam will be very nice.  I sometimes have fish & chips for supper it goes down alright for a change.

I am sorry you have all had colds but I am glad you are better again.

How did you enjoy your Xmas. I hope Uncle William was well it is a long time since I have seen him.

I have been very lucky for parcels this week. I had a piece of Xmas pudding & some mince pies from Mrs. Pat yesterday they are all gone now good things do not last long with me.

Well I know you do not like long letters so I think I must finish now. Short & sweet.

Have you heard from Southend I have not had a letter lately?

Well Au revoir

With much love from

Your devoted

Son