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.