Frank wrote this letter from the village of Villers Marmery to his sister Edie. He describes the autumn colours he saw on the journey to the the R.H.Q in Epernay. Villers Marmery is surrounded by vineyards for Champagne production and the red and yellow leaves on the vines must have been spectacular.
The almost relaxed atmosphere of the Phoney War is captured well with the description of the football match against the French soldiers.

8/11/39

881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157 HAA Battery RA
53rd HAA Regt. R.A.
A.A.S.F.
c/o Army Post Office

Dear Edie,

I really should be writing this to Dad to thank him for his letters and parcel but I think it’s your turn and, anyway, it's all in the family.

Dad's parcel arrived yesterday the 7th - just a week after it was sent. The letter enclosed was dated Nov. 1st but the postmark looked like Nov. 2nd. It was a very fine selection and I spent quite a time sorting it all out. Your cake I shared with two others at teatime and enjoyed it. It's a shame the cost of postage cannot be reduced to the troops - it is a lot to pay.

The cold spell we had recently has spent itself. Most days lately have been warm and sunny, showing up the autumn colours in the trees to perfection. We have a very pleasant run to our R.H.Q. via the Army P.O. and at the same time I see plenty of the countryside - more than I would at home of course.

We raised a team to play the French soldiers in the village a day or two ago. We got on well with them even after losing to the 'froggies' 2-4. I did not play and in any case it my turn to go out for the post at the time.

When I spoke of the weather just now I intended to mention the gloves Dad sent. As it's warmer now I'm not using them yet but I tried them on for size and they are jolly good in every respect - many thanks!

I hope Dad will read this letter before Saturday’s meeting because I would like him to know that I shall be thinking of the brothers that day - particularly at 7 o'clock. Being Installation Meeting I am sure he will drink my health appropriately as I will his and the others. I hope, too, that he will convey my congratulations to Bro. Sulston on this honour bestowed on him and for which he has worked hard, and my brotherly greetings to the lodge in general. Do I owe any money in this respect, and if so, is it urgent? I notice my second letter has been received; there are one or two others on the way.

I got Stimpson Lock and Vance's circular safely. It's about time they either struck my name off the mailing list or saw to it that the right initials are put in! If only they knew how far that one traveled for ½d!

The A.P.O. people are quite friendly, one in particular. He tells me delay in the receipt of outgoing letters is due to the fact that we have no 'censor' stamp yet. They are censored again at the Base (or somewhere) which probably takes some time. This could, I believe, be avoided if we had a stamp here.

I wrote to Percy Bedford two days ago to say the cigarettes had not arrived and yesterday made enquiries at the A.P.O. They told me such parcels are not coming through the post. I suppose they are so large that some other form of transport is employed. Could you find out how they were sent, please?

It will interest Dad to know that B.S.M. Moore has relinquished that rank at his own request, and Sgt. Venison is now our Sergt. Major. Sgt. Cowland has replaced Sgt. Blake as B.Q.M.S. Dad has met most of these people so thought he would like to know.

Franklin is still at B.H.Q. and yesterday received a parcel from the G.E.C. 'Well Wishers' Club. It includes soap, a candle, biscuits, a magazine, 2 pencils, socks and many other useful things. There was also a list of other G.E.C. blokes who are known to be over here but as my name is not there I must write them and share in the 'spoils'. Franklin is getting a bit anxious as his wife is expecting a 'happy event' very soon.

I also received a parcel yesterday (two in one day!) from Louise. She has knitted me a pullover which fits a treat and will keep for colder weather. Her letter is 'friendly' - nothing more - and tells how she is sharing a flat now at Welwyn with two other girls. She likes it better than the 'digs' at Digswell Park and, in fact, is completely wrapped up with the question of furnishing it at the moment. Unfortunately I still wish she would change her mind.

I must write to her, also Jack Sharman from whom I had a long letter. He wants to know if he can contact Dad at some time to have a chat with him as he feels that I shall not have a chance to keep in touch with him personally - only irregularly, which I am afraid will be the case.

Whilst I remember it please note the new address for letters to me. It will help the P.O. as the old address is liable to lead to confusion and consequently possible delay.

The F2.40 Dad put in the parcel was spent as I wrote this letter on a 'Cinzano' to drink his and your healths. The parcel was packed jolly well and arrived absolutely intact. He tells me you are sending me a cake next week - whoopee!

It has been suggested that the men ask for books when writing home. Something in the nature of the 'Penguin' Series is wanted to start a library which will be useful 'during the long winter evenings'. If you have something like that will you please send them? There is one on my dressing table, or was when I left home.

How's Anne getting on with her needlework and dress making which Dad mentions? Is she taking to it better than her mother did in her youth?

The French-English book sent in the parcel is the one I had in mind. It will be useful and it was interesting to know that it had been sent to Dad by Mother in 1919 in Turkey.

That's all for now (thank God says the censor). Fond love to you all and xxxxxx for little Anne.

Frank