Shopping for the Sergeants Mess

This letter was written just after midnight whilst Frank was on guard duty.

10/3/40

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


Dear Dad,

It's after midnight so I can faithfully record the date as the 10th. By this you will gather that I'm on guard again and awake at my post. It is a week since I did my last guard so I really must not grumble.

Thank you for yours of the 1st enclosing Summons but it reminded me that I had not sent greetings to the W.M. I feel rather sore with myself about it. It must have called for an extra effort on your part to sit down and address all those envelopes after an evening out.

I told Edie in my letter I wrote yesterday that the Lyndsells had sent me 200 "Players". Well, I received another 120 (I think) from Selwyn Club, Portland Hotel, Hove, with their compliments and asking me to acknowledge and state brand preferred. I did not have time to see how many were in the packet as I had to rush away to be in time for guard. I'm naturally very interested to know how they got my name. Do you know anything about it?

They say tea is good for the "droops" so will see if I can raise a cup to keep me awake.

********** ********** ********** ********** ********** **********

Had my cup-o-tea in the famous enameled mug but in the mean time my pen has gone dry and no amount of tea will revive it.

Just on 2 o'clock now - 4½ hours to go!

Have written to Dora Hunt tonight at long last. As a matter of fact this writing business is worrying me somewhat.

In the past I used to be able to scratch off a few lines over a cup of coffee in the village when I was off duty. It provided an excellent opportunity for writing, but now cafés are closed to us until 12.30pm so I cannot find a quiet corner to go to. That's no excuse for not writing, however.

On one or two occasions I have gone for a walk on my own in the morning. I have enjoyed it, particularly as the weather has been so fine.

The sun has shone all day today and has been quite warm. But there was a cool wind to remind one that we are not "out of the wood" yet.

Things are still quiet and there is not much excitement. Early in the week I went to a first-rate concert. I wonder if I shall get a chance of seeing George Formby who, the papers tell us, is on his way over here.

Went into town today for the mail in a light car driven by the B.S.M. We spent a short time in various Stores getting prices for crockery, cutlery, etc, for the Sergeants Mess. It was a change to go shopping but very hot plodding round in a great-coat.

I must try and find something about those books you sent. I will put a note at the end of this letter in the morning if I am able to learn anything from the Battery Commander.

It seems fairly certain that when the leave rota finishes in a few weeks time a second rota will begin straight away. At the rate time appears to fly with me my 2nd turn will soon be around - I hope.

That's all just now. Fond love to all and xxxxxxx for Anne. I trust she is quite better now. Is your head o.k. now?

Au revoir,

Frank

p.s. Unable to get information re. books today, so will not delay this letter any longer.
Have just received your letter dated 7th from N.W.D.O. but will reply later. Many thanks.

Chivers (Major / Censor)

Frank's letter from 10 March 1940