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