In envelope with 1d stamp 1H Mess, Royal Naval Barracks Feb 14 1916 Dear Mother, Just a few lines to let you know I am still alive and kicking. I should have wrote last week, but I was waiting for a letter every day. Am getting on alright at rifle drill, this is my third week. We get plenty of gyms now. Have been mustering my hammock, and washing this afternoon. The air-raid it seems was not very far away, I only read a few details about it. I bet Sharp would nap his eye when he was at the police court. I had a post-card from Aunt Sarah, shall write her, when I am in a writing mood. I had a nice look round all along the fore shore last Sunday at Southsea, It is well fortified with big guns. It will be no use keeping my Sunday suit for me, so you can do what you like with it. Tired of writing, so will close with best love to all I remain, your Loving Son, Joe XXXXX