This letter reflects on Christmas Day spent on overseas service, the wintery weather conditions and the anticipation of reaching the top of the list for home leave.

2/1/40

881937 Gnr.Faulkner
157th HAA Regt. RA
53rd HAA Battery RA
B.E.F.

Dear Edie,


Thank you very much for thinking to write me a line on Christmas Day. Your letter arrived here yesterday which is rather longer than usual.

I was thinking of you all throughout Christmas Day But as some sort of consolation for not being with you I also kept thinking that the day is not so far distant when I shall have a second Christmas dinner and celebration at home.

Everybody is talking about leave. A list has now been put on the notice board giving names in the order the men will get their leave. There are only six names in front of mine but as only 2 are going home from B.H.Q. each week my turn will not come for about 4 weeks. There is a possibility of a speed-up coming in the near future so perhaps it will not be quite so long after all. I'll keep you in touch with developments. The first party which left about the 20th December are due back today or tomorrow.

Tell Anne I thought her letter was wonderful. Clever child just like her Uncle! I shall see a big difference in her, I'm sure.

Auntie Hilda and Vic sent me a letter and a Christmas Card showing the Butter Cross at Winchester. Remember it? The Elthams also wrote to me enclosing 2 thrillers and 6 pyramid handkerchiefs. Have I already mentioned that Auntie Edie at Kidderminster sent me a pair of socks and also enclosed another pair knitted by Mrs. Fletcher? I've written to both of them.

Dad will be interested to know I received a letter from W.Bro Jack Sulston around Christmas time. I have answered that, too. I'd very much like to be home for the Lodge meeting on Jan 13th but am afraid it's too much to hope for, although at one time I thought I would be.

I'm sorry to hear Dad's got a rotten cold - I hope it has not developed into anything worse and that he is on the mend now. That was a nice present he gave Anne wasn't it? Can she make me a face flannel with it? I badly need one.

I think I answered the questions in your leeter when I wrote to Ernie.

Today has been the coldest so far, in my opinion, and the snow which fell about 3 days ago is like ice.

It's a relief to know Dad wasn't hurt in the explosions at his office but it must have been a rotten experience, and worse than that for the men that were hurt.

I'll be writing again soon. Next time to Dad, I expect, when I get his letter.

Am keeping very fit and hope you all are, too.

Fond love to all and xxxxxxx for Anne.

Frank