On 21 November 1939 the Battery Headquarters was moved from Villers Marmery to the village of Verzenay. Verzenay is only a few miles from Villers Marmery and was closer to to Epernay. This is the first letter written by Frank after the move.
I love the comment about the air-raid shelter workmen back in London and the fact that Hitler is to blame for the mess they made in my Grandma's house.

24/11/39

881937 Gnr. Faulkner
157 HAA Battery RA
53rd HAA Regt. R.A.
A.A.S.F.
British Expeditionary Force

Dear Edie,

Thank you very much for the surprise parcel. I couldn't think who it could be from as it was addressed in Ernie's writing and for the moment I didn't recognise it. The cake is perfect, just as I like it. Quite a lump has gone out of it as some of the office chaps had some too. There were no complaints or groans so it must have been to their liking. One or two even said so.

I enjoyed the "Maltsters" too. But may I suggest that if you think of sending them again you change them to Aero chocolate. Like most things you can have too much of a good thing and the originality wears off. I'm sure you understand. For your interest the parcel arrived on the 23rd and was quite undamaged.

We have seen nothing of the air- raids you mention but some of our chaps said they heard distant gun-fire early one morning last week. It was probably nothing to do with air raids and in any case one is suspicious of all tales and rumours as they usually prove false. It might interest you to read a column in last Thursdays Daily Telegraph (if you can get hold of one easily - if not, don't bother) which mentions the foolish rumours about parachutists etc., --- --- --- --- --

There don't seem to be any of those variety broadcasts from "Somewhere in France" in these parts so you won't hear my cough or whistle.

Am sorry to hear the air-raid shelter workmen made such a lot of work for you. You can only blame Hitler for that!

What are the decorators going to do in your house; I thought you'd already had them in once this year.

I've been going to ask you when I write how you got on after your fall in the garden. It must have been a nasty jolt and I immediately thought of the girl at Kidderminster (whose name I've forgotten) - oh, Jean Fletcher.

I have not heard from Kidder yet with the socks. By the way, whilst on the subject of knitting I'm feeling envious of some of the chaps who've got khaki scarves and balaclava caps which have appeared now that we are experiencing a cold snap. Some Society or other has sent out a lot of socks, scarves, b'clava hats, mufflers etc., but our share is comparatively small and consequently they are going to motor cycle riders (oh! says Ernie) and some of the lads who are in poor circumstances.

Now, there are some suggestions for Christmas presents I should like and would be very useful. Unfortunately I more or less turned down Dora Hunt's offer to knit such articles, mainly on the ground that I should feel indebted to her and I don't want to be tied up there either. For the same reason I turned down a very kind offer from one of the A.T.S. who wrote to me about 4 weeks ago. I have heard nothing from her since! I'm sure I was tactful and polite about it, too.

Apparently it has started snowing during the last hour. The fellows are coming in with it on their greatcoats.

I have written to Auntie Hilda and confirmed my share of the "best wishes" in the telegram you sent. That's something else I owe you for!

I know I shouldn't look a gift horse -- etc., but would you let Dad know we get a fair amount of tinned herrings in tomato sauce. Consequently the tin of pilchards he sent is still in my 'larder'.

We've had a move the last few days and although our office and sleeping accommodation is not so good we are comfortable. Particularly as regards sleeping; I have managed to be among the few lucky ones who have scrounged camp beds. The beds are made up of a steel framework with thick canvas lashed to it with thick cord. They're alright - as dad would say. Our new village is only a few miles away from our last. It is a bit bigger and also a bit nearer the main town in these parts.

It means a shorter journey for the men who get leave in the afternoon and for the cinema parties on Tuesdays and Wednesday. The French people are just as friendly as before.

I was glad to learn in your last letter that Anne had put on weight. She must be getting a big girl now and smart in her long stockings. I hope she will survive the winter without her usual colds and coughs.

What does Dad mean about his "earlier" bottle of whiskey? The only one he gave me was a flask when I was last on leave. This is hardly touched and is kept for medicinal purposes. Is it a leg-pull? Did I thank him for his letter of 17th?

Before I close, what do you all want for Christmas? Let me know in good time. Oh! and keep an Xmas pudding for me, won't you?

Well here's fond love to you all and I hope you are as fit and well as I am. xxxxxxx for Anne - one for each night of the week when you put her to bed.

Cheerio!

Frank

Chivers Major (censor)