One sheet of notepaper with crossed Union Jacks H.M.S. Nubian Monday 10th 1916 Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to your letter which I received this morning. We have been out on our trial trip this morning and are going to Portland. You had better send the money, because I shall very likely get put in the rattle, if I am seen with toe capped boots ashore. Both my pair of boots are hardly fit to put on now. Well I am well satisfied with my boat. I did my first watch this fore noon from Eight till 12. I was looking after one boiler with ten burners (oil fuel). Please send letters as soon as possible. Shall have between £3 and £4 to draw the first of next month so will send you the cash as soon as possible. Please excuse me sending this letter with out a stamp because I am stoney broke. Well will close, With best love to all I remain, Your loving son Joe. XXX XXX (P.S. Excuse writing because ship is rolling) I am typing these as Joe wrote them. Joe volunteered for the Royal Navy 26 November 1915, for a period of 5 or 7 years, Special Service, and has worn out the two pairs of boots that were issued to him. I have the original document which was filled out when Joe enlisted, it is written on a waxy sort of waterproof paper. His place of birth is given as Hainton, Market Raven, Lancashire, somebody needed georgaphy lessons, those of you that live in Lincolnshire will know it should read 'Hainton, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire' This letter has no month in the date, but must be in May.