In this letter Frank makes reference to collecting the post from the nearest large town. This town was Epernay and on 1 November 1939 Frank was provided with a written authority from Major Chivers to act as Postal Orderly for 157th Battery. He was authorised "to collect mail and generally to fulfill the duties of Postal Orderly".

By this time the battery guns had been located in the following villages around Epernay:
Juvingy - 4 guns (400 rounds HE, 50 shrapnel)
Auberive - 4 guns (400 rounds HE, 50 shrapnel)

2/11/39

881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157/53 ANTI AIRCRAFT
Regt. R.A.
A.A.S.F.
c/o Army Post Office

Dear Dad,

Very many thanks for your letter and 25 cigs. which I received on the afternoon of the 31st October, plus beer labels (you’ll get me a bad name! ) and a mild rebuke for neglecting to write.

I can only think mail has been delayed going from here as I have written twice since we made our first move in France. The men are writing a lot of letters and naturally there is a small delay in getting such numbers censored by our officers, even so there must be a further delay after leaving the Regiment.

I have also to acknowledge a letter from Ernie. Good chap! I know what a nuisance and effort letter writing is to him in the ordinary way. It is, therefore, all the more appreciated.

Being in the Post Office you will be particularly interested to know that as from yesterday I am sharing the job of Post Orderly with Gunner Saunders ('Sandy'). As I told you in a previous letter 'Sandy' and I are working shifts on a job in the office so as we each get every other afternoon off we are using this time to fetch and dispatch mail.

Yesterday I started the ball rolling by going to the nearest large town where our Regimental H.Q. are, leaving the outgoing mail at the Army P.O. on the way. It was arranged for me to go on a lorry which is the usual practice but as Capt. Offord was going to the same place he took me in his car. He recalled the weekend you spent with me and the lift he gave us in his car on that occasion.

On Monday I did the same trip but on a lorry so that I could get some light shoes. The army boots are a bit hard on the floor of the room we are using in the large house where our B.H.Q. are. At the same time I bought a plate, cup and saucer, soap, writing paper and various other things and consequently am very short today, tomorrow being pat day. I still have one £1 treasury note which I hesitate to change. I prefer to keep it for a rainy day, If needed.

After being on duty today from 6.0am to 9.0am I am off until lunchtime and off again at 5.30pm. Tomorrow I work the same times as I have off today, probably being in the office until 11.0/11.30pm.
This morning I have also replied to Dora Hunt's letter in which she kindly offered to do some knitting for me. I told her I only needed khaki gloves which I believe Edie is knitting for me, is that right?

Incidentally, I'd like my other pair of long pants, the other pair I am wearing are cumbersome but comfortable and warm.

Gunner Franklin is now at B.H.Q. so I have a G.E.C. pal with me.

I've had a lot of letters to write lately and possibly I’ve missed some of the news. If there is anything you want to know, ask me and I’ll let you have an answer, if it can be allowed.

Had a letter from Percy Bedford and was staggered on reading the number of cigarettes he is sending me. Of course, I shall distribute a large part of them, if they arrive. They haven't come yet although he posted them on the 26th Oct. Am waiting for there arrival before writing, but if not here tomorrow will acknowledge his letter and write again when they arrive.

We are issued with 50 cigarettes each week (I had a second issue on Tuesday) and 2 boxes of matches. They don't last long at the rate I smoke now. Both issues have been Players but I don't think they are the same quality as the English "20 for 1/1½". Who cares though, they're free!

It's nearly lunchtime so I'll close now as I want you to get this letter as soon as possible in case the other letters have gone astray.

Thanks for all your letters, Edie's parcel is not quite finished - 2 biscuits left and some cheeses. Although we are fed well there are occasions when a little extra grub goes down well so the fromage will meet the need.

Ernie mentions the wireless news re. the T.A. Battery in France. Yes, it certainly sounds like us.


I've got nothing to grumble about and am feeling quite fit apart from smoker's cough.

Would like to see Anne in her new outfit but maybe it won't be so long before I get the opportunity, though nothing has been said about leave.

I hope you are all well and send my fond love including the usual xxxxxx for Anne.

I think I shall really get drunk when I get home!

Frank

p.s. Have missed the outgoing post today so will wait and see what is brought back by the other Post Orderly about 5.0pm.
F

p.p.s. Nothing in the post today - better luck tomorrow, maybe. F.


L. Higgens(censor)