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3 Jul 55 Julius on board 'War Spirit' Mother Portland Place, Worthing ______________________________________________________________________________________________

On board the Ship

Warspirit off Liverpool

Tuesday. 5 o’clock

Dear Mother

Four unhappy men* have just been sent back to Preston. 2 of the 97th, 1 of the 18 & one of the 34th, so I shall be off after all.

I have just returned from the Shore where I have been making purchases of Books, & Fishing tackle.

We start at 10 o’clock, I believe. You must not expect a letter for some time for reasons which I need not explain but all the same I do not intend to be ill for more than two days.

I have got a good supply of brandy for this evening, which I believe is a capital preventative for seasickness & also plenty of pipes & tobacco. This will most likely be the last you will hear from me before I sail.

With love to you all

I remain

yr. affect. son

Julius, Dyson, Laurie

Ensgn. 34th Regt.

* unhappy men – In the light of the comments in his previous letter, it is clear that they were unhappy because they were being left behind (due to overcrowding) rather than the other way round