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