Bad News on the Commission.

Bad news on the result of the commission interview mentioned in the last letter.

26/2/40

881937 L/Bdr.Faulkner
157th HAA Regt. RA
53rd HAA Battery RA
B.E.F.


Dear Dad,

Am writing this while in the guard-room. No, I haven't done anything wrong - just N.C.O. in charge of the guard. I have to change the sentries over at certain times and am generally responsible for the safety of "government property" etc.

So I find that there is quite a lot of time for writing though am afraid I feel too tired tonight to knock off many of my outstanding letters.

I'm sure that you will be sorry to know that I was unsuccessful at my last "commission" interview. It was considered, I believe, that I had insufficient qualifications. I think that I may be put up again but that rests with the Battery Commander, in the first place. Three other chaps had a fourth interview today with a Captain in the R.A.S.C. and apparently had no difficulty answering questions put to them.

I'm considering writing to Mr. Heather to see if he can assist me through the War Office. Or perhaps Mr. Gamage can. The fact is that it is difficult to convey at these interviews how useful my training in the G.E.C. organisation with its huge Government contracts could be in certain Units of the Army. Mr. Heather knows, though, and would, I feel sure, do the necessary.

I meant to have told you before that a fellow named Willshire in my old section mentioned to me that he knew Beckley. I think B is his bro.-in-law.

I had a "friendly" letter from Louise one day last week to which I have replied enclosing Anne's letter to me. Did you see it? It was quite good but very funny. I'm glad she likes school and has a nice teacher.

I took a poor view of the Cabinet Minister's quotation you mentioned in your letter. Those old sayings are all contradicted by another one. The first two that come to my mind in this particular case are "If at first you don't succeed...." and "Faint heart never prospered". Oh, there are thousands of them - "Never say die", "There is no such word as 'can't'". I'm rather surprised that you, who were so hopeful at one time, should listen to tripey old saws (the word is SAWS - not SOWS!).

I've had a parcel today from Mrs. Clift and a letter from her yesterday. I must try and write to her soon and to Auntie Hilda who wrote me one of her long letters. Am sorry to hear the latter is still having trouble.

Yes, am still o.k. for money and saving some, too.

Sorry I haven't better news for you in this letter but you can't be more sorry than I am.

That's all for now so I will close with fond love to you, Edie, Ernie and Anne (xxxxxxx).

All the best,

Frank

p.s. Trust your head is healing up well after the operation and your health o.k. I have not tried Edie's seed cake yet but am sure it will go down as well as her others. It's in a tin keeping fresh.