Happy Christmas! Here is the Special Order of the Day issued on 25 December 1939 to the Regiment with the Christmas message from Lietenant Colonel V R Krohn MC RA, the commanding officer of the 53rd Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment. It sheds some light on to the make up of the Territorial Regiment.

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE THE DAY

XMAS DAY - 1939

CHRISTMAS 1939, will long be remembered by the members of the 53rd (City of London) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A. as the first they have spent Overseas on Active Service.

To many of you it is probably the first that you have ever spent away from your homes and families, and this may seem to be special hardship.

Your consolation lies in the fact that ours is one of the First Territorial Units to be sent Overseas, and in being thus selected we have been greatly honoured.

We have done, are doing, and shall continue to do our allotted task to the best of our ability. Whether it is being well done or not is for others to say.

For my part I want to take this opportunity to express to you all my very great appreciation of the whole hearted support you have always given to me.

There may be trying times ahead for all of us, but I am completely confident that we shall meet these with the same spirit which has enabled us to surmount the lesser difficulties of the past.

I cannot close this message without expressing to those of you who were Militiamen our special appreciation of the way you have absorbed the spirit of the Regiment. The first time I spoke to you I told you that you were to consider yourselves as full members of the 53rd A.A. Regiment, and not as being apart. That you have taken me at my word is gratifyingly apparent, and we older members of the Regiment are proud to have you with us.

I wish you all, Officers, Warrant Officers, N.C.O.'s and Men a HAPPY CHRISTMAS, and may we all look forward to a speedy return home.

Liet. Colonel R.A.
Commanding
53rd H.A.A. Regt. R.A.

B.E.F.
25/12/39

This is Frank's last letter of 1939. He mentions the first leave party departing that morning and this is also recorded in the Unit Diary. Frank expresses his hope of going on leave soon but although he didn't get home for Christmas he has clearly not been forgotten by family and friends judging from the number of parcels and presents he has received.

20/12/39 8.

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

Dear Dad,

Another very hurried line just before the post goes.

I've written so many letters these last few days that I don't know which of yours I've replied to or if I've forgotten to thank you for anything. I've to write a lot because I've had so much post. Quite a good deal of it was parcels.

I've had Auntie Nellie's (Finchley) balaclava hat and Auntie Nellie's (U.S.A.) parcel in which was a cake and 200 'Camels' (cigarettes). Louise sent me a Beautiful scarf (not hand knitted), Uncle Frank and Auntie Bertha sent me a very natty line in cigarette cases. Granny Saunders, Lily and Betty sent 50 cigarettes, the Mullins family 5/-, Kidderminster sent a pair of socks and Mr. Fletcher enclosed a pair with them. Did I mention Mrs. Foskett sent me biscuits?

Everybody is talking about leave now that a few men have started the ball rolling. Eight of them went off this-morning and I believe a similar number will be going each week now. The number per week may increase later. However, I have good hopes of being among the early ones. That being so will you let me know immediately what duties you are on as I shall not be able to let you know when I'm coming home until I reach England. I must wire you then. Don't build up your hopes too much just in case things come unstuck.

Must close

In haste

Love to all and xxxxxxx to Anne

Frank

I have added some Christmas related documents to my web album. If you click on the link below you will be able to view the regimental Christmas Card mentioned in Frank's letter of 10 December 1939, a card from the King and Queen and a programme from a review put on by the Battery before Christmas 1939.

A short letter this time, but it is clear that Frank is receiving plenty of letters although he appears somewhat tired of writing replies. Also good to see he has been sent plenty of food.

16/12/39

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

NOTE Quit A.A.S.F.


Dear Dad,

This is only a brief line and is intended to reassure you that I'm o.k.

Really I have not had much time for writing lately but will do so in answer to your letter of the 6th and the parcels both of which arrived absolutely intact. Thanks very much for all your trouble (and Edie’s and Ernie's).

I've been extremely lucky just lately as regards mail. A parcel and letter from Auntie Nellie in New York, a letter from Jack Sulston, one from Mr Neville (G.E.C.) all make my head whirl when I think of the letters I have to answer.

My larder of tinned food, cake, and biscuits is enormous and I hate to think what would happen to it all if we had to move again. However, there is no suggestion of that just yet.

Well, that's all for now but will try and write in the next 24 hours but if not don't worry.

Love to you all

Frank

Chivers Major (censor)

This letter is from Frank's friend Jack Endacott to Frank's sister Edie (my Grandmother). There is another letter from Jack Endacott published on this blog on 19 September 1939. It is interesting to have another view from a territorial soldier posted to a different area of France - their experiences appear to be very similar.

16/12/39

1438475 Gnr.Endacott
169 AA Battery RA
60th AA Regt. R.A.
British Expeditionary Force.

Dear Edie and Ernie,

Very many thanks indeed for the lovely parcel which I received today. It is so jolly decent of you and you may rest assured was very much appreciated. The cake looks so nice I do not want to cut it! Which reminds me I believe that I have omitted to thank you for the little cakes which you gave Olive to send on to me. Really you know we fellows over here don't deserve the kind attention which we are getting. Life was a change, it is no use saying otherwise, but I am now quite settled down and I expect Frank is also. I do wish I could meet him or 'phone as you suggest, but for all I know he may possibly be many miles away from here. I had a chance to attend one of those concerts last Wednesday, but mainly because I didn't fancy the long journey in the back of a lorry I gave up my ticket. I thought it just possible that Frank may have been there and I should have seen him, but learned later how hopeless it would have been!

I heard from him last month and he appeared to be quite comfortable, sleeping on a camp bed not a common li-lo like me! Surely he should have a stripe for the job he is doing or of course, maybe he doesn't want it! Has the Louise affair broken down completely? He didn't mention her when last writing and I must say I have thought a lot about it. By the way do you realise that you packed my parcel in a Siemans Lamp box ex the North Met? and to think that I am using Exram paper on the walls to keep the whitewash from coming off onto my clothes!! It seems to indicate that our travelers are not doing their stuff! Olive, I suppose, tells you all my news, and I'm afraid there is very little to add, except that we now play football every afternoon. This is not so easy as it sounds when you realise that we play upon a ploughed-up field!!

I do a 'guard' about once in six days and we have the next day off. I was on last night - was it cold and black! - so instead of going out I am spending my time 'knocking' off letters by the fireside. There are sixteen of us in the 'stable' and we have, without doubt, the warmest and most comfortable billet of the sections.

Please thank Anne for her jolly Xmas Card - I have stuck it up on the wall. I shan't know her I expect when next I see her - bless her. Well, thank you both once again and I will take this opportunity of wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. (I have recollections of last year) How is Mr. Faulkner? Please give him my best wishes etc.

Yours very sincerely,
Jack
xxx *

p.s. I don't bother to read back my letters so please excuse errors!

* For Anne, Mrs. Brown!

On 7 December 1939 4 of the guns were in action at Juvigny when 1 Dornier 17 was engaged at approximately 20,000 feet. The Dornier was in and out of range for around 20 minutes and was eventaully engaged by fighters. In total 119 rounds were fired and 3 magnesium rounds were fired to indicate the course and position of the Dornier for the fighters. This is the first record of the Battery engaging with the enemy.
On 8 December 1939 the King inspected one of the battery gun positions. BSM Vennison and 9 other ranks were inspected by the King. Frank mentions this in hs letter.

10/12/39 5.

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

Dear Dad,

Many thanks for your letter enclosing amusing cartoons from Daily Telegraph. There's no doubt the Nazis draw similar pictures of our statesmen and laugh at them as we do!

Have had no more "green" envelopes issued since the one I sent you. (two words crossed out) (my own censoring!)

You will be getting a Regimental Christmas Card probably by the same post and I've sent one to Edie and others. I only had twelve allotted to me. They are not at all bad, in my opinion, and the cost was negligible.

This letter will probably leave here tomorrow (11th) and I am hoping to get my presents off at the same time. Packing them is my main worry at the moment, having seen how some of the parcels arrive here.

I hope by the time you get this you will have complied with my request in my letter to Edie - re. £1. I've run myself a bit short and with the festive season coming along an empty pocket will put a brake on things! Normally I can live on my "income".

I went to the pictures again on Tuesday of last week and saw "Jamaica Inn". A good 'olde Englishe' bloodthirsty picture with ? (I've forgotten the actor's name) in the cast (Edie will know who). I also had the afternoon off, the first since I've been over here. It afforded a fine opportunity for looking round and doing some shopping. The shops were full of Army and Air Force men bent on buying presents.

About a dozen men from our Battery were inspected, along with men from other Regiments, by the King at a place a few miles from here last Friday. One or two officers also went along and had the honour of shaking hands with him.

There isn't much news and nothing arising out of the "minutes" (your letter). Perhaps you will tell Edie that I have written to Olive and sent her a Christmas card.

Tried to get Anne's comic paper yesterday but went to the wrong shop, and there was no time to go elsewhere. I have not forgotten my promise, though.

I hope you will all like your presents - Ernie caused some head-scratching - and please let me know if they arrive safely.

Another thing for Edie's information is that I have no mending to be done - except boots and I'm hoping to get a new pair soon.

At the moment nothing has been settled about leave. Some of the Air Force men I've met are lucky enough to be leaving for home in time for Christmas and others get their leave soon after. Still, they've been out here longer than us. I shall think of you all just the same.

Fond love to you all, not forgetting Anne and her xxxxxxx.

Frank

7/12/39 4.

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

Dear Edie,

Your parcel, sent on the 30th, arrived safely and undamaged yesterday together with Dad's letter of the 1st (post stamped 2nd). Thank (you) very much. The small cakes certainly made a change and a few which I gave away at teatime (just after they arrived) were certainly enjoyed. Fancy you still having apples in your store!

I also received your P.C. 3 days ago saying that you were busy with decorators in the house.

You mention leave in your letter but I am still unable to say anything definite on the subject. One thing is fairly certain and that is that married men will get preference. There seems a reasonable chance that a small percentage of the men will get Xmas leave but even if I am unlucky for that period I know I shall have quite as good a time when I do get leave. You'd better keep the paper-chains and balloons stored ready for the occasion!

To go back to cakes, perhaps a seed one would be nice. Fortunately the people of this country don't shrink from people picking their teeth! But you say that you and Anne are making me a Christmas cake so the seedy one may be expected in the New Year some time.

The weather turned warmer after the brief fall of snow but we've had a fair amount of rain and cloudy weather. Today has turned out fresh and sunny. Is Ernie keeping well in spite of the soakings he gets on his motorbike?

Sorry to hear about Anne's cold but you don't sound very worried so perhaps it wasn't too bad. I hope she is better now.

The scarf is very nice and I shall certainly keep it and look after it. I don't need slippers - thanks. I still have those I bought soon after our arrival in these parts but I don't wear them much now as it would mean changing into boots every time I go to meals (usually it's wet under-foot). The main billets are about 2/3 minutes walk from the Battery Office and we feed there.

The building we sleep in is not a factory. I don't know what it's used for normally. The building has large rooms which were completely bare when we arrived. Anyhow, we are in the dry and it's warm in the office where we have an iron stove.

I've bought some presents for you and will be posting them during the next few days. Nothing very expensive but it's something and I hope you will like them. Nevertheless, I could do with a £1 as Christmas is coming so perhaps you will ask Dad to take it out of my P.O. Book, please. Don't let him do anything rash because I'd rather it was my own money.

The ------------- are not around here but I'll keep my eyes open for John Rutherford.

I shall be writing to Dad in a day or two so anything I have forgotten will be included in that.

Thanks again for the parcel - I had the Mars while writing this.

Fond love to you all and xxxxxxx for Anne.

Frank

p.s. Am quite fit and well. F.

This is a newsletter from the GEC Well Wishers Club, set up by GEC to provide monthly parcels to their employees posted abroad in the armed forces. As mentioned in his profile Frank worked for GEC.

The G . E . C . WELL - WISHERS CLUB
Letter No.2

President: The Lord Hirst of Witton
Vice-President: M.J.Railing
Magnet House,
Kingsway,
London, WC2

1st December, 1939


881937 Gunner F. A. Faulkner

Had we had any doubts of the success of the G.E.C. Well-Wishers Club, they would by now have been completely dispelled. Everybody here, staff and directors alike, have been most helpful and their support has ensured our carrying out our plans to the full. Already in the first month forty eight parcels have been sent to G.E.C. people overseas. Our aim is, as you know, to send one every month, and the one you have just opened represents our second delivery.

You will find that the contents are somewhat different from the first parcel. There are, of course, a large number of articles that can be included, many of which have been put forward as suggestions, and many that are requests from those who have already received parcels. A certain amount of sorting out has to be done, and compliance with some of the suggestions made will have to deferred for future parcels.

One thing you will find included this month is a torch, for which there seems to be a general demand nowadays. Believe me, you are lucky to get it - torches are a rarity at present. Later on we shall, of course, remember that even G.E.C. batteries run out, and that you will need refills. These will be sent monthly in future as far as possible.

We are anxious to receive the reply post-card that is enclosed in each parcel, as much to confirm your approval of the contents, and to study your suggestions, as to receive confirmation that the parcel reached you safely.

The number of G.E.C. people overseas increases regularly. The latest list is given at the end of the letter#. In more than one instance G.E.C. people are in the same unit.

There is nothing very exciting to report from Kingsway. The blackout falls in the late afternoon, when all the blinds have to be pulled down. The journey from Magnet House, even to Holborn Underground, is almost hazardous and collisions with other pedestrians are quite frequent. What it will be like when a good old London fog drops down doesn't bear thinking of. The basement shelter is now completed, but so far has only been occupied by rehearsal. It covers practically all the fittings showrooms and receiving office. Thick brick walls, with large exhaust fans enclose one side, and the roof is strengthened with large baulks of timber. There is a loudspeaker installation and a control room complete with telephone switchboard etc.

This will be the last letter before Christmas. All the staff at Head Office wish you the happiest Christmas that circumstances allow and ingenuity can devise, and hope that 1940 will see you back in harness again.

for THE G.E.C. WELL WISHER CLUB.

H. Barrett


#The list contains 45 O/Rs and 5 Officers. Both Faulkner (sales) and his friend Jack Endacott (sales) are included in the list of O/Rs.

1/12/39 3.

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

Dear Dad,

I have letters from you and Edie but I think it is your turn. Thanks to both of you anyway. I have written a short letter to Anne in answer to 'her' postcard. I must get her a French comic paper one of these days - she might be interested in the pictures.

So you had quite a good time with Miss Cutmore and her sister. You don't want too many visits like that, though, do you? Give the former my love when you write next.

You touched for a packet of trouble alright in the S.O. (Sorting Office) but by now I expect it is finished with so far as you are concerned.

I have heard from Louise again. This time she sent me 50 cigs and this writing pad and some envelopes. She tells me Nigel is engaged to a girl in his department of the I.C.I. in Scotland. He's not getting married yet as he has got to save up. What a surprise, though!

I was suspected of having sent P.C'S to the B.Q.M.S. and B.S.M. but I explained matters satisfactorily. They both asked me to thank you.

I have heard from Jack Endacott, one day after I wrote to him, so our letters crossed in the post. He claims they arrived in France 5 days before us. He sleeps in a cellar on a "Li-lo" so he's not so lucky as I am, and he also has to his share of 'guards' and fatigues.

Don't rush yourself to send the "Penguin" books. We now have a few here but there has been no rush on them yet. No doubt they will be used when the fellows get more time for reading. Any time will do. Thanks for your efforts.

A party of about 20 of us were taken by lorry last evening to see a show organised by Sir Seymour Hicks. The artistes were nearly all celebrities and gave a jolly good show. Such names as, Dorothy Ward, Clare Luce, Bertha Wilmot and Tom Webster were on the stage. The place - a cinema - was packed with R.A.F. and Army men, some of whom had traveled a long way to see the show. Josephine Baker was on at a place near here during the week but none of us saw her. Franklin*, a fellow named Wilmot* (curious!) and another chap were with me and we had seats about 6 rows from the stage. Uncle Frank's "Manikins" went down well!

Thanks for your Postal Order which I am changing to-day at the A.P.O. They change them at the rate of Frs.177/75=£1. I shall be able to buy a bottle of Champagne with the money.

The 3000 cigarettes arrived the day before yesterday and I immediately wrote to Percy to let him know and to thank him. B.S.M. Venison is distributing them to B.H.Q. staff for me at the rate of 40 per man. They are in packets of 20's and any over - and there should be some - I'll share with special friends.

I'm not particularly pally with anybody here, at least, not to the same extent as I am with Jack E. Franklin is a good sort but as my time off does not always coincide with his I don't see so much of him as I would.

Incidentally, Major Chivers, Capt. Offord and 2/Lt. Alliston - the three officers at B.H.Q. - kindly accepted their "ration" of Percy's gift.

Dealing with the question in Edie's letter, bless her, I have already made suggestions re. parcels (like my cheek!) in letter No.2 - which I did not number. The 'Zubes' came in very useful when I had a nasty cold last week. They may have been responsible for preventing a cough which usually follows in my case. I'm o.k. now and the only worry I had with it was having to wash out handkerchiefs instead of waiting for the laundry to do 'em. Yes, arrangements have been made with a local laundress to wash pants, shirts, vests, towels, hanks, socks free of charge to us. Pansy life, isn't it?

I shall look forward to the Xmas pudding from Olive's mother. It was jolly nice of her to think of me.

I received Mrs. Clift's cake a few days ago and was in such a hurry to write and thank her that I omitted to thank her for the mittens. They fit me a treat. Will you or Edie please thank her for me and apologise for my omission. I've not cut the cake yet as Auntie Bertha's is not finished yet but it looks nice.

No, Ernie I have not been issued with 'Battle Dress' yet. Some of the fellows have it and I think it looks smart but unless ones uniform is worn out one can't get it at present. It saves a lot of button cleaning!

That's all for now. Fond love, as ever, to you all and xxxxxxx for Anne (you must tell me how she liked her special letter).

Frank