In envelope with 1d stamp On two sheets of notepaper with crossed Union Jack Flags Portsmouth Jan 31st 1916 Dear Mother, I received your letter on Saturday, I passed out of my mechanical training last Thursday, but did not get rated. Only six out of 22 in our class got rated to first class stokers. I got good but you had to get V good. I only made one little mistake. I passed out of swimming last Friday morning. I had to swim the length of the whole bath in a white duck suit. I swam it the first time but it didn'nt half pull when I got to the shallow end. Started rifle drill to-day. Went to the gym this afternoon. We had to climb rope ladders, and ropes, box, a relay race, and physical drill. Have not got my photo taken yet. I expect you do not hear any thing about H Frow now-a-days. J Robinson may think herself lucky, he has given outr paying his attentions to her. She would do, if she knew as much as I do. I am quite happy here now I have got into the run of the thing, and know how to work points. I think I shall go to India or some far-away place like that for three years when I have finished my training. I hope so. Well you must excuse my short letter, because I cannot think of much to write about. Will close now with best love to you all I remain, Your Loving Son, Joe XXXXXXX XXXXXXX