"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