Naval Barracks December 4th 1915 Dear Mother, Just a few lines to let you know I received your letter safely. I like the Navy so far alright, but they are strict. We get four meals a day, a change every time. Breakfast is 6.30, dinner 11.45, tea 4.45, supper at 9. The patrol wakes us up in the morning, and he also makes us get in tup at 10 o'clcock. I get out of barracks every other day at 5 p.m. Saturday and Sundays at dinner time. Our leave is according to our duty division. I am in the second division, so shall be a-shore tomorrow Sunday. My arm is very painful through vaccination. I expect I shall have to get four teeth out on Monday, but I am going to get out of it if possible. My bed is an hammock strung from two iron beams, they are alright to sleep in. I have been in the muster bag room since Tuesday learning to sling my hammock and also to pack my kit bag properly. My kit consists of as follows, - two blue suits - 3 white duck suits - spare white trousers - 2 under shirts - 2 pairs pants - 2 pairs socks. 1 jersey - 1 muffler - 2 Cholera Belts - 1 blue and 1 white hat - 2 lanyards and a knife - 5 brushes - 2 pairs boots and a ditty box and a hat box. If I loose any article I have to make it good. I got paid on Friday and received 10/- On Wednesday it being the first day of the month tobacco and soap were issued. I got a pound of tobacco for 1/2d, 4 lbs of soap for 8d. They stop so much money per week for such things, then at 3 months end they give us the balance. I did not get any money from Robinson so Dad had better remember him about it. Expect to get six days leave at Exmas or New Year, will let you know which. Remember me to all enquiring friends. Well must close, am tired after a hard days work. With best love to you all I remain Your Loving Son Joe XXXXXX (Please send me two boxes with ointment in and scurf comb out of my new bag)