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This is the second part of the letter started on 27 October 1939 and written in the village of Villers-Marmery.
It is a great scene setter of life in the Phoney War.
As you can see at the beginning of the letter I started this on the 27th but hope to finish it of today 28th.
You would be surprised to see my surroundings while writing this second installment. 2 fellows are playing billiards, others playing cards or writing letters like me. The scene is the 'local' where we have come for warmth and recreation in our spare time. I've just had a jolly good dinner and now have a café cognac to keep it down. What luxury!
Nowadays the Serjeant Major does not seem to require an assistant as there has been some re-shuffling of the office. So I now share the job of dealing with incoming and outgoing letters and messages with a chap named Saunders. Dad may remember 'Sandy' from ----. (could be 'Bramley' as his father visited Frank at Bramley)
We work shifts between us so I manage to get definite time to myself which is a blessing even though I feel that I've been relegated (necessarily) in my work.
The apples Edie sent will be very nice. I can imagine Ernie bending the top most bows down to get them - what a hero. Yes, the seeds I sowed were a bit close I agree but I'm a novice at gardening and will benefit by experience. Bonfires and hedge clipping are my favourite jobs and always will be, I think.
I've had letters from all sorts of unexpected sources. 100 cigarettes from Auntie Louie Lyndsell and family, a short letter from Dora Hunt offering to do knitting and to correspond if I wish it, and a line from one of the A.T.S. who was at ---- (probably 'Bramley') and who wants to knit and write.
So Don and Audrey are married at last and a quiet wedding at that. Please give them my best wishes when the first opportunity arrives.
We now appear to have settled down after our second move this side. We are very comfortable, having straw-filled palliasses to sleep on, a 'pukka' cookhouse and eating room and last but not least a fine big room in the largest house in the village where we have our office. In some respects we are no worse off than in England and in some cases very much better off.
Incidentally in the café there is a good wireless set on which some of us have heard the news from England the last two evenings.
Edie asks if there is a censorship on letters to the troops but as far as I can tell there is not.
Many thanks again for all your letters. They are very welcome.
Fond love to you all and xxxxxx for Anne.
Frank
p.s. 50 cigarettes issued free with box of matches this week. It is said we will get these regularly each week.
p.p.s. I really forgot about paying the butcher, in any case you can't be in my debt, sister. We were paid 60 francs last week but 120 francs for simple gunners this week. I should be able to manage but last week I over spent. Who cares!
Frank
Tell Dad the Army Field Post Office is some way away from us and I don't see how I shall get an opportunity of contacting the R.E.P.S.
F
L. Higgens (censor)
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
By 27 October 1939 Frank had moved with the Battery HQ from Epernay to the village of Villers-Marmery.
The Unit Diary records that the Battery was ordered to leave all its stores behind when it left Bramley in Hampshire on 8 October 1939. As a result no cooking utensils were avaialble which as the Diary records resulted in"inadequate feeding of the men." As of 27 October 1939 cooking utensils were still not available and whilst on route across France the facilities are described as "difficult and on many occasions nil." The diary entry concludes by saying that there have been no complaints as the troops have supplemented their rations at their own expense.
This letter was started on 27 October 1939. The final part will be posted shortly.
27/10/39 Started
881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157/53 ANTI AIRCRAFT
Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office
Dear All,
During the last day or two I have had no less than 4 letters and 1 card either from Edie or Dad and I don't know how to thank you for such an array. Both Dad and Edie mention a parcel which I am pleased to say arrived safely this-evening. It is a fine assortment and I can assure Edie that the contents will be and the thought is much appreciated. Two or three of us devoured a packet of those 'Maltese' chocolates before you could say Jack Robinson. Not that we were hungry, having just had tea, but just that it was something different.
I must also mention how surprised I was getting a SIX-page letter in with it, too, after receiving all the other correspondence. A letter which Edie wrote me on the 12th October and post marked '13th' arrived yesterday: I think it was written the day before I had my 24 hrs. leave! The rest of the post is arriving o.k., usually 3 days after it is posted.
The Unit Diary records that the Battery was ordered to leave all its stores behind when it left Bramley in Hampshire on 8 October 1939. As a result no cooking utensils were avaialble which as the Diary records resulted in"inadequate feeding of the men." As of 27 October 1939 cooking utensils were still not available and whilst on route across France the facilities are described as "difficult and on many occasions nil." The diary entry concludes by saying that there have been no complaints as the troops have supplemented their rations at their own expense.
This letter was started on 27 October 1939. The final part will be posted shortly.
27/10/39 Started
881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157/53 ANTI AIRCRAFT
Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office
Dear All,
During the last day or two I have had no less than 4 letters and 1 card either from Edie or Dad and I don't know how to thank you for such an array. Both Dad and Edie mention a parcel which I am pleased to say arrived safely this-evening. It is a fine assortment and I can assure Edie that the contents will be and the thought is much appreciated. Two or three of us devoured a packet of those 'Maltese' chocolates before you could say Jack Robinson. Not that we were hungry, having just had tea, but just that it was something different.
I must also mention how surprised I was getting a SIX-page letter in with it, too, after receiving all the other correspondence. A letter which Edie wrote me on the 12th October and post marked '13th' arrived yesterday: I think it was written the day before I had my 24 hrs. leave! The rest of the post is arriving o.k., usually 3 days after it is posted.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
This letter describes the journey made by Frank across France. Having commenced their train journey from Cherbourg on 21 October 1939, the main body of Battery personnel arrived in Epernay (in the Champagne Region of France and the area where the Advanced Air Striking Force was based) at 1730 hours on 22 October 1939. They were all taken to billets in Epernay. His letter adds great personal detail to the bare bones described in the Unit Diary.
This is the first letter where the censor has struck words out and they are shown as -----.
23/10/39
881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157/53 ANTI AIRCRAFT
Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office
Dear All,
It seems such along time since I last wrote to you and as we are not permitted to say exactly where we are I think it is in Order for me to say that I am in France.
I wrote to you soon after we landed here last Monday but of course you had not received that when Dad wrote on the 18th. Since then we have made a very ---- railway journey lasting about -- hours. The train was so slow that I feel sure it could have been accomplished in about -- hours on a good train. It meant ----- ---- ---- on the train and at one or two of the stops we were given coffee or hot soup by members of the French equivalent to our Red Cross. We had seven in our 3rd class compartment - not cattle wagons - and slept on one another’s shoulders. It wasn't too bad, though, and made quite an interesting trip.
On our arrival last night we were taken to a large ------- factory to sleep. There was plenty of straw and I enjoyed the most comfortable and warm sleep I've had for a week.
Mail, which I think came on the train with us, was distributed late last night. I was very glad to get Dad's letter and thank him for writing.
This last week has been a comparatively lazy one. Washing in the duck-pond every morning was not so good but like many other things it was just another experience which we will all laugh about later on.
One cannot say how long we will be in our new billets but as we have come all this way to do a real job of work I cannot see us wasting our time in such a 'heavenly' spot as this for more than a day or two.
Am sorry to hear Edie has had such a bad cold and can only hope that by now she will have shaken it off. I'm glad to hear the rest of you are o.k., however, and pleased to say that I'm perfectly fit, too.
We might as well be in England for all the excitement there is here. They certainly do seem a bit more careful about 'blacking-out' here compared with the place we've just come from.
So far I have nothing to grumble about so there is no reason for you to worry about me. We don't hear the wireless or see any newspapers so I don’t know how this peculiar war is going on.
Thank for his offer of money or other necessities but there is nothing I want just yet. Cigarettes can be bought for about half the price of those in England so please don't trouble to send them. One of these days when we are settled down a cake would be appreciated. I'll let you know when. Do you think a cake would travel alright?
I've just bought an English-French dictionary but I think Dad has got a book giving French-English as well. Can he spare it? It would be taken good care of.
Have not heard from Kidderminster yet nor from any one else for that matter. Thank the Fisher's for there kind wishes; I'm afraid that if Mrs. Fisher wrote I would find difficulty in answering it so perhaps it would be better that she didn't.
I believe Jack Endacott's Regiment are over here somewhere. I must look out for him.
I'm still in the Battery Office. The last week, though, there has been nothing for me to do.
The weather has been grand so far but not so warm since our recent move. By the way, if Edie can knit gloves I would love a pair of brown wooly ones; I'm sure I shall need some ere long.
No more just now; only my best wishes and again to ask you not to worry.
Fond love to all with xxxxxx for Anne.
Frank
p.s. I have a ------- as a souvenir!
This is the first letter where the censor has struck words out and they are shown as -----.
23/10/39
881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157/53 ANTI AIRCRAFT
Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office
Dear All,
It seems such along time since I last wrote to you and as we are not permitted to say exactly where we are I think it is in Order for me to say that I am in France.
I wrote to you soon after we landed here last Monday but of course you had not received that when Dad wrote on the 18th. Since then we have made a very ---- railway journey lasting about -- hours. The train was so slow that I feel sure it could have been accomplished in about -- hours on a good train. It meant ----- ---- ---- on the train and at one or two of the stops we were given coffee or hot soup by members of the French equivalent to our Red Cross. We had seven in our 3rd class compartment - not cattle wagons - and slept on one another’s shoulders. It wasn't too bad, though, and made quite an interesting trip.
On our arrival last night we were taken to a large ------- factory to sleep. There was plenty of straw and I enjoyed the most comfortable and warm sleep I've had for a week.
Mail, which I think came on the train with us, was distributed late last night. I was very glad to get Dad's letter and thank him for writing.
This last week has been a comparatively lazy one. Washing in the duck-pond every morning was not so good but like many other things it was just another experience which we will all laugh about later on.
One cannot say how long we will be in our new billets but as we have come all this way to do a real job of work I cannot see us wasting our time in such a 'heavenly' spot as this for more than a day or two.
Am sorry to hear Edie has had such a bad cold and can only hope that by now she will have shaken it off. I'm glad to hear the rest of you are o.k., however, and pleased to say that I'm perfectly fit, too.
We might as well be in England for all the excitement there is here. They certainly do seem a bit more careful about 'blacking-out' here compared with the place we've just come from.
So far I have nothing to grumble about so there is no reason for you to worry about me. We don't hear the wireless or see any newspapers so I don’t know how this peculiar war is going on.
Thank for his offer of money or other necessities but there is nothing I want just yet. Cigarettes can be bought for about half the price of those in England so please don't trouble to send them. One of these days when we are settled down a cake would be appreciated. I'll let you know when. Do you think a cake would travel alright?
I've just bought an English-French dictionary but I think Dad has got a book giving French-English as well. Can he spare it? It would be taken good care of.
Have not heard from Kidderminster yet nor from any one else for that matter. Thank the Fisher's for there kind wishes; I'm afraid that if Mrs. Fisher wrote I would find difficulty in answering it so perhaps it would be better that she didn't.
I believe Jack Endacott's Regiment are over here somewhere. I must look out for him.
I'm still in the Battery Office. The last week, though, there has been nothing for me to do.
The weather has been grand so far but not so warm since our recent move. By the way, if Edie can knit gloves I would love a pair of brown wooly ones; I'm sure I shall need some ere long.
No more just now; only my best wishes and again to ask you not to worry.
Fond love to all with xxxxxx for Anne.
Frank
p.s. I have a ------- as a souvenir!
Monday, 19 October 2009
"First of all I am not permitted to say where I am." Frank's first letter home from France.
This letter is the first from overseas and was written in the Battery rest billets in Sideville, about 4 miles south of Cherbourg. The channel crossing was completed overnight on 15/16 October 1939. The Battery traveled as part of a convoy betwween Southampton and Cherbourg. The Battery disembarked at 10.30am on 16 October 1939 and joined up with the advanced party which had left on 12 October 1939. The advanced party was led by Major J A Chivers RA.
You will see from the end of the letter that it was signed by an officer acting as a censor. Whilst on active service abroad all Frank's letters were checked by censors before posting.
19/10/39
7.30pm Tuesday
881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157/53 ANTI AIRCRAFT
Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office
Dear All,
First of all, I am not permitted to say where I am. Naturally all letters are censored now but as long as you know how I am I'm sure that's all you worry about or expect.
In the circumstances I'm sure Dad's holiday will be no change or rest for him. If he has gone to Brighton and the weather is any-thing like we have just now he will be lucky. When we left England it was pouring with rain but since our arrival we have not had a spot - sunny nearly all the time.
Bully beef and biscuits have been our main diet the last two days. Meat, bread and vegetables arrived tonight, however, so we should do well for grub now.
B.H.Q. are billeted in a farm and all but the officers are sleeping in a sort of attic. It's dry and we have electric light, some even have mattresses but I'm not so lucky. Next time perhaps!
After the sea trip which, incidentally, was as smooth as anyone could want, we had to march about 4 miles having first been relieved of our pack. This was carried in lorries, thank the Lord.
Today has been probably the easiest day I've had since putting on uniform and believe me I was glad of it. Like the rest I was tired out last night and stiff today after the unusual marching so we were all glad of a much needed rest. You would have laughed to see several of us cooling our feet off in the little duck-pond in farmyard here just before dinner-time. After dinner we summoned up enough energy to go blackberrying! This is too good to last don't you think?
You will gather, I hope, that we are as happy as can be expected so don't worry.
I'm in the best of health and sincerely hope you all are to.
Fond love to all not forgetting xxxxxx for little Anne.
Frank
(Censor - Jacks 2/Lt R.A.)
You will see from the end of the letter that it was signed by an officer acting as a censor. Whilst on active service abroad all Frank's letters were checked by censors before posting.
19/10/39
7.30pm Tuesday
881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157/53 ANTI AIRCRAFT
Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office
Dear All,
First of all, I am not permitted to say where I am. Naturally all letters are censored now but as long as you know how I am I'm sure that's all you worry about or expect.
In the circumstances I'm sure Dad's holiday will be no change or rest for him. If he has gone to Brighton and the weather is any-thing like we have just now he will be lucky. When we left England it was pouring with rain but since our arrival we have not had a spot - sunny nearly all the time.
Bully beef and biscuits have been our main diet the last two days. Meat, bread and vegetables arrived tonight, however, so we should do well for grub now.
B.H.Q. are billeted in a farm and all but the officers are sleeping in a sort of attic. It's dry and we have electric light, some even have mattresses but I'm not so lucky. Next time perhaps!
After the sea trip which, incidentally, was as smooth as anyone could want, we had to march about 4 miles having first been relieved of our pack. This was carried in lorries, thank the Lord.
Today has been probably the easiest day I've had since putting on uniform and believe me I was glad of it. Like the rest I was tired out last night and stiff today after the unusual marching so we were all glad of a much needed rest. You would have laughed to see several of us cooling our feet off in the little duck-pond in farmyard here just before dinner-time. After dinner we summoned up enough energy to go blackberrying! This is too good to last don't you think?
You will gather, I hope, that we are as happy as can be expected so don't worry.
I'm in the best of health and sincerely hope you all are to.
Fond love to all not forgetting xxxxxx for little Anne.
Frank
(Censor - Jacks 2/Lt R.A.)
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
"Still don't know where we are off to." The Battery starts its journey to France
The station referred to in this letter was Wokingham Station in Berkshire about 4 miles by road from Arborfield Garrison. Although Frank does not know where he is going the Unit Diary shows that the train was heading for the "port of embarkation Southampton and proceeding overseas in convoy." The sea crossing from Southampton to Cherbourg was completed during the night of 15-16 October 1939.
It is good to see from the letter that a short embarkation leave was allowed prior to this following Frank's fears in the letters of 11 October 1939 that there would be no leave before going to France.
This postcard was post marked Richmond Surrey 6pm 15 October 1939
15/10/39
Sunday 8.00am
Dear Dad,
Just leaving the station as I write this but still don't know where we are off to. Coaches from Camp to railway, thank goodness. Packs are heavy and plenty of rain to start off. Everyone is pretty cheerful though. If there is another chance of writing I'll do so. Thanks to all for making my short leave so enjoyable. I'm in all your debt but hope to have a chance to put that right soon. Keep smiling!
Love.
Frank
It is good to see from the letter that a short embarkation leave was allowed prior to this following Frank's fears in the letters of 11 October 1939 that there would be no leave before going to France.
This postcard was post marked Richmond Surrey 6pm 15 October 1939
15/10/39
Sunday 8.00am
Dear Dad,
Just leaving the station as I write this but still don't know where we are off to. Coaches from Camp to railway, thank goodness. Packs are heavy and plenty of rain to start off. Everyone is pretty cheerful though. If there is another chance of writing I'll do so. Thanks to all for making my short leave so enjoyable. I'm in all your debt but hope to have a chance to put that right soon. Keep smiling!
Love.
Frank
Sunday, 11 October 2009
This is the last letter of 11 October 1939 and was included in the parcel of "civvy" articles that Frank sent home in preparation for service overseas. He also confirms that they will not be leaving on 12 October 1939 as he thought earlier in the day; only the advanced party was to leave on 12 October. This is confirmed in the Unit Diary.
Not sure who "Gorgeous" is!
11/10/39
66th Militia Camp
Arborfield
Berkshire
Dear Dad,
'Gorgeous' is posting this for me as I am not sure what arrangements have been made for sending 'civvy' articles home.
I may find a few things later to post.
Wrote 2 letters to you today. Expect they will arrive before this parcel.
Since lunch I hear we may not leave here tomorrow. Only the advance party are going. I hear it is to an already prepared base. Sounds like a French port.
All the Best
Frank
p.s. 'Gorgeous' is calling at Bramley today for post so may get your registered letter on his return.
Will 'phone you if I get a chance, Easton 4204!!!
Not sure who "Gorgeous" is!
11/10/39
66th Militia Camp
Arborfield
Berkshire
Dear Dad,
'Gorgeous' is posting this for me as I am not sure what arrangements have been made for sending 'civvy' articles home.
I may find a few things later to post.
Wrote 2 letters to you today. Expect they will arrive before this parcel.
Since lunch I hear we may not leave here tomorrow. Only the advance party are going. I hear it is to an already prepared base. Sounds like a French port.
All the Best
Frank
p.s. 'Gorgeous' is calling at Bramley today for post so may get your registered letter on his return.
Will 'phone you if I get a chance, Easton 4204!!!
This is the second letter Frank wrote on 11 October 1939 and was written about an hour after the first letter. Although this letter is a bit calmer than the first, he is still not sure where they are going but is certain they will move off on 12 October 1939. The lack of embarkation leave is clearly a sore point!
Frank mentions leaving White City on 10 October 1939. The Unit Diary confirms this and shows they arrived at White City from Bramley on 8 October 1939. Whilst at White City all members of the Battery were innocualted ready for the move overseas.
11/10/39
66th A.A. Militia Camp
Arborfeild
Berks
Dear All,
I scribbled a hasty note to you about 1 hour ago and am trying to settle down to something more detailed.
Nobody knows where we are going but it seems certain we are leaving here tomorrow so don't write to me here.
All letters in future should be addressed to:
881937 Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A.A. Battery
53rd (City of London) H.A.A. Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office.
This is a big camp community mostly of large huts. We are all in huts with beds so although it was 11.30 before I turned in last night and up at 6.30 a.m. this morning I had a really comfortable and restful nights sleep.
The camp is new and consequently there is plenty of mud about following recent rain. We miss 'Jack', our cook, but even so grub is not too bad. They dished our fellows out with steel plates and basins for eating and drinking and they were in a filthy rusty condition but I have kept my porcelain plate and mug so have no grouse in that direction.
Unless arrangements are changed, and you know they sometimes are, we shall get no draft leave. Army life is said to be a hard one but giving us no leave is really cruel.
As I was writing this one of the officers was talking and I heard him say we are being issued with anti-tank ammunition. He went on to say that the guns will be used for 'local' protection. Does that mean 'local' (pub) or estaminet.
We left White City at about 2.0pm yesterday and arrived here at 4.30pm. After a hot meal of stewed steak, peas (hard) and boiled spuds we were taken to the M.O. for inoculation for anti-tetanus.
Just going to lunch now and expect to be busy after so cheerioh to you all.
Love,
Frank
Frank mentions leaving White City on 10 October 1939. The Unit Diary confirms this and shows they arrived at White City from Bramley on 8 October 1939. Whilst at White City all members of the Battery were innocualted ready for the move overseas.
11/10/39
66th A.A. Militia Camp
Arborfeild
Berks
Dear All,
I scribbled a hasty note to you about 1 hour ago and am trying to settle down to something more detailed.
Nobody knows where we are going but it seems certain we are leaving here tomorrow so don't write to me here.
All letters in future should be addressed to:
881937 Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A.A. Battery
53rd (City of London) H.A.A. Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office.
This is a big camp community mostly of large huts. We are all in huts with beds so although it was 11.30 before I turned in last night and up at 6.30 a.m. this morning I had a really comfortable and restful nights sleep.
The camp is new and consequently there is plenty of mud about following recent rain. We miss 'Jack', our cook, but even so grub is not too bad. They dished our fellows out with steel plates and basins for eating and drinking and they were in a filthy rusty condition but I have kept my porcelain plate and mug so have no grouse in that direction.
Unless arrangements are changed, and you know they sometimes are, we shall get no draft leave. Army life is said to be a hard one but giving us no leave is really cruel.
As I was writing this one of the officers was talking and I heard him say we are being issued with anti-tank ammunition. He went on to say that the guns will be used for 'local' protection. Does that mean 'local' (pub) or estaminet.
We left White City at about 2.0pm yesterday and arrived here at 4.30pm. After a hot meal of stewed steak, peas (hard) and boiled spuds we were taken to the M.O. for inoculation for anti-tetanus.
Just going to lunch now and expect to be busy after so cheerioh to you all.
Love,
Frank
157th Battery moved from Bramley, Hampshire on 10 October 1939 to Arborfield near reading in Berkshire, as shown in the change of address at the top of the letter. This move was in preparation for a move overseas. The entry from the Unit Diary says "Stores and equipment being drawn and loading onto transport."
The uncertainty about the timing of the next move and going overseas is reflected well in this letter.
11/10/39
Arborfield
Dear Dad,
Just a hasty line to let you know we are going from this place tomorrow. What a rush! I'm not sure if our next move will be abroad but at any rate it will be soon and leave is out of the question. We all think it's very unfair.
They are making arrangements for our civilian clothes to be sent home in our kit bags but when and how I don't know. Some of the clothes are clean and some need washing. Will you please sort it out and save any letters that are enclosed.
I must try and write to Louise but if you get a chance, or Edie, perhaps you will let her know what I am doing. I promised her I'd let her know.
No more time now but if I get another chance of writing during the day, I will.
Fondest love to you all, xxxxxx for Anne.
Frank
Rumour just come in that arrangements have been mucked up re. our move, so don't worry until you know something definite. Will try and keep in touch as often as I can
F
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
7/10/39
6.00pm
Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.
Dear Dad,
Am going to wire you tonight to say all leave has been cancelled.
We are going back to Gunnersbury Park tomorrow prior to going abroad - we don't know where. I'm sure you will all be as disappointed as I am about the leave.
At any rate they will be sure to give us 48 hours draft leave before we go.
Excuse the haste,
Love to all
Frank
6.00pm
Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.
Dear Dad,
Am going to wire you tonight to say all leave has been cancelled.
We are going back to Gunnersbury Park tomorrow prior to going abroad - we don't know where. I'm sure you will all be as disappointed as I am about the leave.
At any rate they will be sure to give us 48 hours draft leave before we go.
Excuse the haste,
Love to all
Frank
Monday, 5 October 2009
Click on the link below to see four pictures of Frank in the 157th Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery.
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This message is on a blank post-card, post marked Bramley 5/10/39.
5/10/39
Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.
Dear Dad,
Many thanks for sending parcel and for letter enclosed. Apparently it crossed mine in the post. Re leave - the train is due at Paddington at 11.12 am or if we miss the connection the next train arrives 12.00 noon, on Monday next 9th.
Looking forward to seeing you all and hope you will be on a suitable duty to spend some time with me.
Love to all,
Frank
p.s. Rain all night but warmer today. Will write Bedford.
5/10/39
Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.
Dear Dad,
Many thanks for sending parcel and for letter enclosed. Apparently it crossed mine in the post. Re leave - the train is due at Paddington at 11.12 am or if we miss the connection the next train arrives 12.00 noon, on Monday next 9th.
Looking forward to seeing you all and hope you will be on a suitable duty to spend some time with me.
Love to all,
Frank
p.s. Rain all night but warmer today. Will write Bedford.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
3/10/39
Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.
Dear Dad,
Welcome news!
Another leave roster has just been decided on, in fact, so hurriedly that I thought at first we were due for overseas, particularly when inoculation was mentioned.
It appears that a new officer (Capt. Gibson) who has come from one of our Gun Stations to H.Q. has pressed the Major for another 48 hours leave with success. The inoculation is a matter of course and since we have to pay our own fares it is quite obvious they don't expect us to be sent abroad just yet. Otherwise we would of had a free Railway Warrant.
Again I am among the early ones on the leave schedule. My turn begins on Monday next 9th October starting at 9.30 a.m. and returning here at 10.45 a.m. on Wednesday. 8.55 a.m. train from Paddington gets me in in time. The 9.59 a.m. train from Bramley, with a change at Reading, reaches Paddington at * a.m.
*Not known at present but will advise you later should anyone like to meet train.
If you have not sent my winter woollies please wait till I get home. And whilst on the subject thank you for sending parcel of clothes as requested, on your return from your stay here. I'm wearing the pyjamas (at nights!) now and the other pair have been washed by one of the A.T.S. Pants and vest I'm also wearing so your efforts were not entirely wasted.
I'm told now that we go to Cheshunt after all on 16th October but as I've heard so many tales which have proved false, though emanating from reasonably authoritative quarters I shall not believe it until we move.
Gnr. Badham is going up to London right away so will finish up so that he can take this.
Fond love to you and all at '37' with xxxxxx for Anne.
Frank
Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.
Dear Dad,
Welcome news!
Another leave roster has just been decided on, in fact, so hurriedly that I thought at first we were due for overseas, particularly when inoculation was mentioned.
It appears that a new officer (Capt. Gibson) who has come from one of our Gun Stations to H.Q. has pressed the Major for another 48 hours leave with success. The inoculation is a matter of course and since we have to pay our own fares it is quite obvious they don't expect us to be sent abroad just yet. Otherwise we would of had a free Railway Warrant.
Again I am among the early ones on the leave schedule. My turn begins on Monday next 9th October starting at 9.30 a.m. and returning here at 10.45 a.m. on Wednesday. 8.55 a.m. train from Paddington gets me in in time. The 9.59 a.m. train from Bramley, with a change at Reading, reaches Paddington at * a.m.
*Not known at present but will advise you later should anyone like to meet train.
If you have not sent my winter woollies please wait till I get home. And whilst on the subject thank you for sending parcel of clothes as requested, on your return from your stay here. I'm wearing the pyjamas (at nights!) now and the other pair have been washed by one of the A.T.S. Pants and vest I'm also wearing so your efforts were not entirely wasted.
I'm told now that we go to Cheshunt after all on 16th October but as I've heard so many tales which have proved false, though emanating from reasonably authoritative quarters I shall not believe it until we move.
Gnr. Badham is going up to London right away so will finish up so that he can take this.
Fond love to you and all at '37' with xxxxxx for Anne.
Frank
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