Posts
8/9/39
Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley, Basingstoke
Hants.
Dear Dad,
Am trying to find a few minutes before breakfast to send you a line as I cannot be certain what time I shall have later.
The above is as far as I got before breakfast!
Thanks for your long letter which arrived with one from Louise and the St. M. Porchway circular.
In future correspondence may be addressed as above. This should save quite a considerable time in letters reaching me.
The weather is really wonderful - thank goodness, almost too hot for some of the manual jobs I've had to do since arrival here. Today is the first day I've had in the office at Bramley.
Yes I've certainly had some bad luck trying to get hold of you on the 'phone. Perhaps you would let me know whenever you write what duties you are on should I get the opportunity to 'phone.
When I rang you from Guildford I was on my way back from Hookwood Ordnance Depot near Reigate. It was a magnificent day out on the front of our lorry and being seated high up in it I had a fine view of the country through which we passed. It was a cushy job, I'm supposed to be the spare driver and as I don't drive there is nothing for me to do.
Another trip I did was to Aldershot and Farnborough yesterday which followed the route of the previous journey as far as Farnham. These rides get one away from camp atmosphere and make a nice change. It also gives one a chance to have a beer in some country pub which may take ones fancy.
Yesterday the driver and I were invited into the private parlour at a pub so that we could hear the news. Kind wasn't it?
It has been whispered to me that 24 hours leave will be granted to each individual. Leave will be granted to compassionate (?) cases first, then N.C.O.s followed by other ranks as they can be spared in order of good conduct. This is welcome news but has to be kept quiet so if you send a post-card be careful how you word it.
I'm wondering if 24 hours will be enough to see all the people I want. Will Edie be back in London soon? If not I must speak to her on the 'phone. I'll wire you as soon as I know when I get my leave.
There is such a lot of news but no time spare just now. I'll have alot to tell you when I see you.
Am feeling very fit and reasonably happy but hope this blinkin' war won't last very long.
Have not received parcel of clean laundry yet but expect it is on the way. I hear there is a lot of mail at White City and a lorry has gone up to fetch it today.
Would you do me a favour by 'phoning Edie to say I'm o.k. and give her the news. I got her letter but have not been able to reply.
Hope she and Anne are keeping well, you to and Ernie, and my love to all.
Frank
These letters were published 70 years to the day from when they were first written during the Phoney War (1939) and the Battle of France (1940). They were sent by my Great Uncle, mainly to his father, and provide a fascinating insight into the day to day life of a British soldier in the opening phase of World War II. I have also included information about the AASF and the Battle of France to put my Great Uncle's service in context.
Featured post
Fairey "Snow" Battle - Winter 1939/40
Atmospheric picture of winter of a Fairey Battle on one of the AASF areodromes in the Reims area of France in 1939/40.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog while researching the 157th Battery, 53rd (City of London) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. My Dad was in the very same battery and would undoubtedly have known your Great Uncle. Being a little younger, he only recently passed away at the ripe old age of 97. Fortunately, he had been telling stories of his escapades for so many years that much of what you have published was very familiar to me. In addition, he left notes about his experiences during the same timeframe. I will try to break them down and fit them into your format. They will all be his words.
Of particular interest in your family’s archives is the lack of any reference to the Lancastria, which was sunk on 17th June, 1940 with a loss of over 4,000 lives. Perhaps you were not aware that half their regiment was on board that ship.
After returning to England and manning AA guns throughout the Battle of Britain, the regiment was shipped out to the Far East and fought in Burma. I know very little of what happened there, as my Dad did not talk much about that period for some reason, and left no corresponding notes. Anything you have on that timeframe would be of interest to me.
Roy