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