In envelope with 1d stamp, H.M.S. Nubian, No 6 Mess, August 5th 1916,   Dear Mother,    Just a few lines in answer to your welcome letter which I received safely this afternoon.    Many thanks for the book, it is very kind of Ted to send it.  I am rather busy studying for a mechanical exam now.  I expect to go before the Engineer on Monday or Tuesday to try to get rated.    We started our standoff today till Tuesday morning.  Shall post this in Dover tomorrow.    While patrolling one day this week we had the good luck to sink two enemy mines by maxim fire.     I happened to get hold of an old Chronicle and saw the Glentham Vacancy..  I was thinking Dolly would try for it.    We are having a rather warm and uncomfortable time now in the stoke hold.    I have not bought the cloth yet for Edith, so Dolly will have to wait a long time.    Am enclosing 20s for you to take care of for me.  I don't think Dad need be afraid of being called up yet.     If I get rated I shall get a rise of three shillings a week. Some of our boats have had a scrap just lately.    Edith sent me her photo last time she wrote, and is getting it taken again, and will forward me another.    My word, though, our army has been strafing the Germans just lately.  I could hear the big guns roaring when we anchored in Dunkirk one day.  Old Casement has swung at last for a blessing.    Well I must close now, hoping to see you soon.    With best Love,          I remain,             Your Loving Son,                 Joe XXXXXXX                      xxxxxxxxxx Dolly, Joe's sister, did try for the post of school teacher at Glentham and got the post.  I have yet another piece of paper, torn out of a notebook, written by my grandmother. Miss D Smith, Kirkby -c-Osgodby, Lincoln. 12 Lessons at Barnetby Examination July 11th 1914 Less, Geographical Story, 63 over 80, written as a fraction. Was successful and received a certificate November 14th 1914 Commenced duties Jan 1st 1913 Osgodby School Commenced at Glentham February 19th 1917