16881 B Coy, 3^rd Battn, Queens Own R W Kents,Fort Darland, Chatham

My Dear Kate [Harold Stratford's cousin],

You are indeed kind to me & I thank you very much for your very nice socks. They are my fit, colour & stamp & just what I should get myself & I am much indebted to you I’m sure.

So pleased Albert is safe & well. Yes we are moving now in France aren’t we. Oh that it will soon end.

There are 10 in my tent & we have had rain all day today so you may guess how happy we all feel for it comes through & theres not room to swing round & not much light so all things considered "under canvas" is not a brilliant affair. However we are mates & we crack a joke & help one another. We had a 17 mile tramp yesterday in Fog & rain & had hot dinner in Lord Darnley’s Park at Cobham. I never thought I should stand soldiering as long as I have but tho small I must be tough & am getting used to everything. We have to get up at 5 every morn & wash in the dark & open. I saw that Zep that came down in Flames last week end. It was a sight. We all rushed out in our pants & socks & of course our Officers were soon round to see that no one struck a match. What damage the huns could do at Fort Darland for I think we are 3000 strong in the 3^rd. If bad weather sets in we shall go in billets smart & may it be soon. And we are all wondering how soon our call will be for the front for it must come soon for we are supposed to be trained men now. Have had 4 months now dear Kate. Annie writes me every day a nice long letter. Her sister has just got a nice baby boy & both mother & babe are doing well. Will give Annie & all at 35 your kind messages. Dad is in Scotland & was with Olive’s Frank last Sunday & may see him again this. Expect you know he is in the Fusiliers Bankers Battn. Now I must finish & clean my rifle & pack or I shall be on the carpet. Again thanking you ever so much I close with love & kind regards.

Your ever affect cousin Harold