9 February 1940 - Return from leave & an Andy Hardy film

This letter contains interesting detail about catching the train in London when returning from leave. Frank also mentions seeing an "Andy Hardy" film; Andy Hardy was a character played by Mickey Rooney in an MGM film series from 1937 to 1958. Sadly Frank can't recall the title of the film, however 3 films in the series were released in 1939 and 1 in 1940.

9/2/40

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


Dear Dad,

Many thanks for your letter post-marked the 4th which I received yesterday. I must also thank Edie for the letter she wrote me the day I left home.

It seems ages since I had my leave and have settled down to the same routine. I'm also doing Rogers pay job which I like, though, of course, it makes extra work. It is for this reason that nearly a week has gone by since I wrote last.

This letter should not take so long to reach you because we were advised yesterday that from Feb. 8th letters would be accelerated in the post to the extent of 2 days, to England.

You both mention about my not returning to see you after dumping my equipment. Well, it was not because I had a comfortable seat but I really thought it was not allowed, especially with so many M.P.s about on the platform. Furthermore, I was a good way along the train and I didn't want to miss it should it start suddenly. I did wonder alot about coming back to the barrier but thought I'd better not.

Sorry you lost your gloves; they were nice ones, too.

I've had a little of the whiskey, chiefly to get rid of a chill I had about me. Am much better now, in fact - practically normal.

No. I am still on the same job and so far have not had any guards or Orderly Sergeants jobs to do. That will come in time, I'm sure.

Nobody knows whether your books arrived. Perhaps the Major can tell me when he returns from leave next week. Surely they must be here somewhere.

Nothing further has developed re. Commissions. I've mentioned to the Sgt.Major that my ideas favour R.A.O.C., R.E.s etc. and it has been noted. It's all a question of time. The fellows home on a course now waited a long time. Nil desperandum. R.A. is taboo at the moment.

Edie has kindly offered to knit thick socks for me but am still wearing boots - not Wellingtons. Thanks all the same.

The roads around here show the effects of the thaw but they are better than when I first got back. They can't make roads like the English!

I have not had a chance to write to Louise yet so was glad to hear that you had heard from her. What's happening?!! You don't say much.

Have had a busy day today, pay day (I now get 200 frcs) and worked late yesterday. So with all the points raised in your letter answered and little else in the way of news I will wind up.

Oh, I went to the pictures on Sunday. There was a very good uncensored news-film and followed by an "Andy Hardy" film, the exact title of which I forget. But it was good.

I have not forgotten Anne's comic paper but I never think of it at the right moment. Hope she is o.k. now and the rest of you too.

Fond love to all, and kind regards to Mrs. Foskett.

Frank

p.s. Could do with some more "Zubes" when you send the next parcel, please. No hurry. F.