Posts
Another extract from the Unit Diary. BHQ (Battery HQ) was where Frank was working and it was inspected at mid-day.
29/4/40
0800 Seven guns ready for action. Whole battery is inspected by Brigadier O. Crewsdon in the following order:
0945 PIP II g.p. (gun positions)
1115 PIP II billets
1200 BHQ
1500 PIP I g.p.
1615 PIP I billets
1700 PIP III
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Friday, 23 April 2010
How Frank spent his 31st Birthday
A very interesting letter describing Frank's 31st birthday on 21 April 1940. Absolutely no hint of the attack that was about to be unleashed, especially with the reference to his Father's holiday plans to the Italian Riviera.
23/4/40
881937 L/Bdr.Faulkner
157th HAA Regt. RA
53rd HAA Battery RA
B.E.F.
Dear Dad,
Thanks very much indeed for the birthday present which is both useful and smart. It really is very nice and I shall make good use of it. And registered too! It's the first registered packet I've had out here although I'm handling them for the other chaps every day. We collect all "registers" with the ordinary mail from R.H.Q. and on that particular day it was signed for by my "partner - in - crime". We only call at the A.P.O. to take outgoing mail, empty sacks, and to buy and change postal orders. I still get on well with them there but had occasion to put a fellow, who was poking his nose in where he shouldn't, in his place. But that's a long story and can wait until I come home.
You will want to know how I spent my birthday. Well, I went for a walk in the afternoon with Franklin and two other chaps after working during the morning. We had a sleep in the sun just before we reached the next village. It was very warm and the sky clear except for a few white fleecy clouds. We took our boots and socks off (there were few people about) and dozed for quite a long time and when we came to it was late in the afternoon and our one desire was for tea. However we decided it was useless to try to get a cup of tea in such a one-horse village so we had bock - that light French beer. This was at a table in the sun outside a cafe and presently 3 French soldiers sat near us and got into conversation - they could all speak a little English and told us they had cycled from -----x.
The outcome of it was that they agreed to join us in some dinner, so 10 of us (4 more R.A.s had come along by then, less Charlie Franklin who most unfortunately had to return to go on guard) went to a very nice hotel I didn't know existed and had dinner on the terrace.
Three parts of the meal was eaten by moonlight. Someone produced a gramophone which included in it's repetoir "The Old Sow" so you see we had a jolly party.
One of the Frenchmen, a Sergeant Chef (senior sergeant, I suppose) chose the eats and drinks. Being my birthday I had the pleasure (and I mean it) of settling the wine bill.
We hope to meet the same French soldiers at the same place, but earlier in the afternoon, next Sunday.
I had two aspirins "just in case ...." before I went to bed and awoke feeling in splendid form the next morning.
I needed to be, anyhow, because our "bedroom" had to be spring-cleaned and as I was off duty from the office I had to wield mop and brush with Rogers and another chap.
I've had a good post lately. Your "birthday" parcel came on the 18th or 19th (I think), your other parcel of mags and tinned delicacies on the 20th. I had the tinned fruit and cream at tea time with Rogers today and one tin of sardines the day of arrival. I'd intended to have the anchovies when I next did a 'guard' but the one I'm on tonight was sprung on me at short notice so that I had only time to think of writing paper extra to my equipment. Never mind, it shall be next time.
I also had a parcel from Auntie Hilda (and Vic!) with cake, 2 apples, 'film' magazines and sweets. God bless her. There was only a short letter enclosed so consequently there was not much airing of her troubles, which made the parcel even more acceptable. I also had a letter followed by a parcel of cake, toffees and chocolates from Louise, and a parcel including soap, flannel, books and notepaper from Eltham.
Today I was told I should have to understudy one of the Sergeants in the office as he is likely to be moved very shortly. It will be a change of job and I shall probably lose the trips for post but I shall be amongst the same happy company.
We have had wonderful summer-like weather since last Saturday - almost too hot at times in thick army pants, vest etc., but it suits me alright and I'm getting my old tan back again.
Don't go to a lot of trouble over the marmalade; I know it is not easy to get these days. Rogers brother, who is in that line of business, gets it for him otherwise I should probably have no occasion to be indebted to him over it. In any case I've made it up to him in other ways (which I will not put in writing) but he does not appear to realise it. He is like your pal John Waldron!
A bit of Talby's haddock would be the "cats whiskers" but why make my mouth water? Am glad you have made a successful attack on the garden and shall expect to see a good show when I get home. It's a pity leave has been suspended but I don't think it will be for long.
I envy you with your holiday plans; they certainly sound good especially the Reviera tours (plural!). I'm afraid Musso. may spoil those ideas for you, though. He's a proper -----!!!, isn't he?
Franklin has had fags and (recently) tobacco from the Selwyn Club. Have not heard from Jack E. yet. Had a letter from Olive today. Jack should be on first party when leave starts again, she says. Letter from Uncle Frank last week, too.
Thanks again for the parcels, Dad, and letters. Am glad to know you are keeping so fit. I am, too.
Fond love,
Frank
(whew!)
p.s. Am writing a short letter now to Edie.
23/4/40
881937 L/Bdr.Faulkner
157th HAA Regt. RA
53rd HAA Battery RA
B.E.F.
Dear Dad,
Thanks very much indeed for the birthday present which is both useful and smart. It really is very nice and I shall make good use of it. And registered too! It's the first registered packet I've had out here although I'm handling them for the other chaps every day. We collect all "registers" with the ordinary mail from R.H.Q. and on that particular day it was signed for by my "partner - in - crime". We only call at the A.P.O. to take outgoing mail, empty sacks, and to buy and change postal orders. I still get on well with them there but had occasion to put a fellow, who was poking his nose in where he shouldn't, in his place. But that's a long story and can wait until I come home.
You will want to know how I spent my birthday. Well, I went for a walk in the afternoon with Franklin and two other chaps after working during the morning. We had a sleep in the sun just before we reached the next village. It was very warm and the sky clear except for a few white fleecy clouds. We took our boots and socks off (there were few people about) and dozed for quite a long time and when we came to it was late in the afternoon and our one desire was for tea. However we decided it was useless to try to get a cup of tea in such a one-horse village so we had bock - that light French beer. This was at a table in the sun outside a cafe and presently 3 French soldiers sat near us and got into conversation - they could all speak a little English and told us they had cycled from -----x.
The outcome of it was that they agreed to join us in some dinner, so 10 of us (4 more R.A.s had come along by then, less Charlie Franklin who most unfortunately had to return to go on guard) went to a very nice hotel I didn't know existed and had dinner on the terrace.
Three parts of the meal was eaten by moonlight. Someone produced a gramophone which included in it's repetoir "The Old Sow" so you see we had a jolly party.
One of the Frenchmen, a Sergeant Chef (senior sergeant, I suppose) chose the eats and drinks. Being my birthday I had the pleasure (and I mean it) of settling the wine bill.
We hope to meet the same French soldiers at the same place, but earlier in the afternoon, next Sunday.
I had two aspirins "just in case ...." before I went to bed and awoke feeling in splendid form the next morning.
I needed to be, anyhow, because our "bedroom" had to be spring-cleaned and as I was off duty from the office I had to wield mop and brush with Rogers and another chap.
I've had a good post lately. Your "birthday" parcel came on the 18th or 19th (I think), your other parcel of mags and tinned delicacies on the 20th. I had the tinned fruit and cream at tea time with Rogers today and one tin of sardines the day of arrival. I'd intended to have the anchovies when I next did a 'guard' but the one I'm on tonight was sprung on me at short notice so that I had only time to think of writing paper extra to my equipment. Never mind, it shall be next time.
I also had a parcel from Auntie Hilda (and Vic!) with cake, 2 apples, 'film' magazines and sweets. God bless her. There was only a short letter enclosed so consequently there was not much airing of her troubles, which made the parcel even more acceptable. I also had a letter followed by a parcel of cake, toffees and chocolates from Louise, and a parcel including soap, flannel, books and notepaper from Eltham.
Today I was told I should have to understudy one of the Sergeants in the office as he is likely to be moved very shortly. It will be a change of job and I shall probably lose the trips for post but I shall be amongst the same happy company.
We have had wonderful summer-like weather since last Saturday - almost too hot at times in thick army pants, vest etc., but it suits me alright and I'm getting my old tan back again.
Don't go to a lot of trouble over the marmalade; I know it is not easy to get these days. Rogers brother, who is in that line of business, gets it for him otherwise I should probably have no occasion to be indebted to him over it. In any case I've made it up to him in other ways (which I will not put in writing) but he does not appear to realise it. He is like your pal John Waldron!
A bit of Talby's haddock would be the "cats whiskers" but why make my mouth water? Am glad you have made a successful attack on the garden and shall expect to see a good show when I get home. It's a pity leave has been suspended but I don't think it will be for long.
I envy you with your holiday plans; they certainly sound good especially the Reviera tours (plural!). I'm afraid Musso. may spoil those ideas for you, though. He's a proper -----!!!, isn't he?
Franklin has had fags and (recently) tobacco from the Selwyn Club. Have not heard from Jack E. yet. Had a letter from Olive today. Jack should be on first party when leave starts again, she says. Letter from Uncle Frank last week, too.
Thanks again for the parcels, Dad, and letters. Am glad to know you are keeping so fit. I am, too.
Fond love,
Frank
(whew!)
p.s. Am writing a short letter now to Edie.
Monday, 19 April 2010
As May 1940 approaches I thought it would be interesting to start to include some of the entries from the Unit Diary of the 157th HAA Battery. From November 1939 to today the diary has just noted the number of guns in action, usually 8.
PIP was the code name for the three gun Batteries of the 157th HAA Battery. The gun batteries for 158th HAA and 159th HAA (forming the 53rd HAA Regiment) were codenamed Squeak and Wilfred respectively. These names were taken from the popular newspaper strip cartoon "Pip, Speak and Wilfred", about a dog, a penguin and a rabitt. The Regimental HQ was codenamed Pixo.
20 April 1940
Considerable enemy activity during night 19-20/4/40. Leaflets dropped at PIP I and PIP II. Considerable fire from French A.A. Batteries. Indicator rounds fired by PIP I and PIP II at approx. 0635 hours. Further leaflets dropped by unseen enemy plane flying very high - approx. 1100 hours.
0800 hrs - Eight guns ready for action. Field works and hut building continued on all stations.
PIP was the code name for the three gun Batteries of the 157th HAA Battery. The gun batteries for 158th HAA and 159th HAA (forming the 53rd HAA Regiment) were codenamed Squeak and Wilfred respectively. These names were taken from the popular newspaper strip cartoon "Pip, Speak and Wilfred", about a dog, a penguin and a rabitt. The Regimental HQ was codenamed Pixo.
20 April 1940
Considerable enemy activity during night 19-20/4/40. Leaflets dropped at PIP I and PIP II. Considerable fire from French A.A. Batteries. Indicator rounds fired by PIP I and PIP II at approx. 0635 hours. Further leaflets dropped by unseen enemy plane flying very high - approx. 1100 hours.
0800 hrs - Eight guns ready for action. Field works and hut building continued on all stations.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
PS - Leave from BEF Held Up
This PS on the letter of yesterday shows the situation becoming more serious following the invasion of Denmark and Norway the day before, with all leave being postponed for the B.E.F.
10/4/40
p.s. The magazines arrived here alright this time. Was a letter enclosed or sent under separate cover? So far as I know no acknowledgement has been sent.
As you will have heard, leave from B.E.F. has been held up.
10/4/40
p.s. The magazines arrived here alright this time. Was a letter enclosed or sent under separate cover? So far as I know no acknowledgement has been sent.
As you will have heard, leave from B.E.F. has been held up.
Friday, 9 April 2010
The Invasion of Denmark and Norway and a request for Marmalade
This letter provides an interesting view from 9 April 1940 the day that the Germans invaded Denmark and Norway (Operation WESERUBUNG). Denmark fell the same day and Norway on 7 June 1940.
It is the first sign that the Phoney War is coming to an end and that there will be more pressing issues than marmalade, cake and the leave rota. Frank’s question at the end of the third paragraph, “I wonder what will happen now?” has an innocent irony about it when looked at from the distance of 75 years.
9/4/40
881937 L/Bdr.Faulkner
157th HAA Regt. RA
53rd HAA Battery RA
B.E.F.
Dear Dad,
Many thanks for your letter and "Rosarium Lodge" enclosure. I see from the signatures that Jack Sulston and Walter Arber and that the latter was presented with L.R. clothing. When will it be your turn?
So you have only just had the burst pipes mended, well, well. Patience is surely a virtue. You will be able to have a bath now!
Your wardrobe must be expanded to bursting point with your latest additions but I warn you here and now that I'm not walking out with you with that "shaving brush" in your hat! Otherwise the ensemble sounds truly "natty".
Hectic news on the wireless tonight! That man has walked into Denmark and attempted to do the same with Norway. I hope they will put up a good fight for it after their poor showing in the Finland affair. Things are beginning to move fast - just as we were starting on the second leave rota, too. We were finishing of the remainder off the first list and sending a few of the second list next week-end. I wonder what will happen now?
I received the newspapers from the Selwyn Club, thanks. They also sent me and Franklin one (but not both papers). I have just finished a long letter to Jack Endacott and I asked him if he was getting parcels from the same people. I expect he is as he was a fellow traveller of Bill Bowthorpe's. I've asked him to let me know one way or t'other, so can you hold the matter of nominating an addressee until I get his reply, please?
When you are next sending a parcel could you please include tinned marmalade. I don't want to feel indebted to Rogers and it is difficult to get decent marmalade here. And whilst on the subject may I mention that I did appreciate the sardines you sent me. They make a nice change from the usual bread and jam for tea. I had a tin in the G.E.C. parcel which came yesterday and soon disposed of them - with toast.
Another thing in the G.E.C. parcel was a small tin of Nestles Café au Lait. I opened it tonight as I'm on guard and am sharing it with the chaps who are on with me. Hot water is always obtainable during the night so it is soon made. After the foregoing I hardly dare mention anchovies; they are expensive in the E.F.I. (in bottles).
However, these ideas of mine may be useful to you some time in the future if you are thinking of sending a parcel and wonder what to put in it.
Mrs. Foskett must have been kept busy with workmen about the house and baths and pipes being removed. I'm glad to know you continue to get on well with her. Give her my kindest regards.
I printed a letter to Anne yesterday and am interested to know how much she was able to read of it; or am I expecting too much of her. Am glad to hear from Edie that she likes school.
I received a letter from Edie this afternoon and still have another of hers to reply to. Perhaps this will serve as an acknowledgement as she will be reading it in due course.
She mentions the grape-fruit which was sent to us from Jamaica. Today we were each issued with an orange - a present from Cyprus. We do alright, don't we?
Edie thought I would be disappointed at not getting the cake she promised but really I'm very glad because there is still some of Auntie Bertha's to finish and there was a smaller one in the G.E.C. parcel yesterday.
I think I've already replied to her query as to whether her marmalade travelled alright. It was perfect both in condition and in taste.
There are very few gardens in the village and fewer still with daffodils etc., which one sees so many of in our gardens at this time of year. Most houses have a small yard in which they keep rabbits and some "junk", but rarely flowers.
Well, Dad, that's all just now. I must write to Jack Sharman when this is finished. He was a real pal when I was on leave and as I have not written since my return I must not neglect him any longer.
Am glad to know you are so well and cheerful these days. Keep it up. My fondest love to all and xxxxxxx for Anne who I hope has lost her cold by now.
Cheerioh,
Frank
It is the first sign that the Phoney War is coming to an end and that there will be more pressing issues than marmalade, cake and the leave rota. Frank’s question at the end of the third paragraph, “I wonder what will happen now?” has an innocent irony about it when looked at from the distance of 75 years.
9/4/40
881937 L/Bdr.Faulkner
157th HAA Regt. RA
53rd HAA Battery RA
B.E.F.
Dear Dad,
Many thanks for your letter and "Rosarium Lodge" enclosure. I see from the signatures that Jack Sulston and Walter Arber and that the latter was presented with L.R. clothing. When will it be your turn?
So you have only just had the burst pipes mended, well, well. Patience is surely a virtue. You will be able to have a bath now!
Your wardrobe must be expanded to bursting point with your latest additions but I warn you here and now that I'm not walking out with you with that "shaving brush" in your hat! Otherwise the ensemble sounds truly "natty".
Hectic news on the wireless tonight! That man has walked into Denmark and attempted to do the same with Norway. I hope they will put up a good fight for it after their poor showing in the Finland affair. Things are beginning to move fast - just as we were starting on the second leave rota, too. We were finishing of the remainder off the first list and sending a few of the second list next week-end. I wonder what will happen now?
I received the newspapers from the Selwyn Club, thanks. They also sent me and Franklin one (but not both papers). I have just finished a long letter to Jack Endacott and I asked him if he was getting parcels from the same people. I expect he is as he was a fellow traveller of Bill Bowthorpe's. I've asked him to let me know one way or t'other, so can you hold the matter of nominating an addressee until I get his reply, please?
When you are next sending a parcel could you please include tinned marmalade. I don't want to feel indebted to Rogers and it is difficult to get decent marmalade here. And whilst on the subject may I mention that I did appreciate the sardines you sent me. They make a nice change from the usual bread and jam for tea. I had a tin in the G.E.C. parcel which came yesterday and soon disposed of them - with toast.
Another thing in the G.E.C. parcel was a small tin of Nestles Café au Lait. I opened it tonight as I'm on guard and am sharing it with the chaps who are on with me. Hot water is always obtainable during the night so it is soon made. After the foregoing I hardly dare mention anchovies; they are expensive in the E.F.I. (in bottles).
However, these ideas of mine may be useful to you some time in the future if you are thinking of sending a parcel and wonder what to put in it.
Mrs. Foskett must have been kept busy with workmen about the house and baths and pipes being removed. I'm glad to know you continue to get on well with her. Give her my kindest regards.
I printed a letter to Anne yesterday and am interested to know how much she was able to read of it; or am I expecting too much of her. Am glad to hear from Edie that she likes school.
I received a letter from Edie this afternoon and still have another of hers to reply to. Perhaps this will serve as an acknowledgement as she will be reading it in due course.
She mentions the grape-fruit which was sent to us from Jamaica. Today we were each issued with an orange - a present from Cyprus. We do alright, don't we?
Edie thought I would be disappointed at not getting the cake she promised but really I'm very glad because there is still some of Auntie Bertha's to finish and there was a smaller one in the G.E.C. parcel yesterday.
I think I've already replied to her query as to whether her marmalade travelled alright. It was perfect both in condition and in taste.
There are very few gardens in the village and fewer still with daffodils etc., which one sees so many of in our gardens at this time of year. Most houses have a small yard in which they keep rabbits and some "junk", but rarely flowers.
Well, Dad, that's all just now. I must write to Jack Sharman when this is finished. He was a real pal when I was on leave and as I have not written since my return I must not neglect him any longer.
Am glad to know you are so well and cheerful these days. Keep it up. My fondest love to all and xxxxxxx for Anne who I hope has lost her cold by now.
Cheerioh,
Frank
Monday, 5 April 2010
ENSA Concert with Comedian Fred Yule
In the penultimate paragraph of this letter Frank refers to the "Three Pigeons Pub" when his Dad came to visit him before they departed for France in 1939. This visit is mentioned in the letter dated 21 September 1939 and the pub was on Bramley Green near the Army camp. The Three Pigeons closed in 1957, but the building is still there.
Frank went to a concert where the compere and comedian was Fred Yule. Fred Yule joined the cast of I.T.M.A (Its That Man Again) from the third series in July 1941. He died in December 1982.
5/4/40
881937 L/Bdr.Faulkner
157th HAA Regt. RA
53rd HAA Battery RA
B.E.F.
Dear Dad,
Many thanks for your long and interesting letter from Brighton. I was glad to know more about the Selwyn Club and to learn how they got my name. Bill Bowthorpe I know well; I see him every Saturday morning at the Travellers meeting. I have now had 2 120's of Players cigarettes from the Selwyn Club and two pairs of socks which you forwarded for them.
Apparently you had a fine time trying to find a hotel for your Easter holiday. I hope you didn't have too much to drink at the Portland Hotel. You say the manager of the Crysello took you to the hotel in his car as you were "rushed for time". I will accept that statement!
So you haven't forgotten my birthday. Now, what would be a really useful present for you to send me? All I can think of is one of those zip-fastner cases with washing and shaving gear complete, similar to the one I bought you. That would be very useful.
Thanks very much for the 10/-. I'm waiting for the opportunity to have a good "blow out" with it. Am very pleased to hear from Edie that you gave her the same. Are you any more friendly with her?
I wrote to Auntie Bertha when I was on guard the other night to thank her for a large cake and various other things. There was no letter in the parcel to say how Frankie was going on.
I heard from Mr. Heather a few days ago to say that neither he nor anyone else at the G.E.C. could help me in the matter I wrote to him about. He would be pleased to furnish a recommendation, though, should it be wanted at any time.
In a letter I had from him some weeks ago Mr. Heather asked for my views on how the B.B.C. Programme for the Forces was received. So when I wrote recently I devoted about 2 pages to the subject and he tells me these will be forwarded to the B.B.C. eventually as they want "intelligent" comment from the B.E.F. I'll send you his letter one of these times.
There appears to be a "hold-up" on the question of Commissions and I don't expect to hear anything for some time yet.
Went to another concert during this week. It was quite good and the Comedian and the Compère was Fred Yule. You know him, I think. I fell for the girl who played the accordian - she was smashing!
Weather has been lousy the last 2 or 3 days. Plenty of rain and grey, depressing clouds. Still, I'm indoors most of the time so it doesn't matter much to me.
Do you remember Bulmer; the chap who was always singing "South of the Border" and had wavy hair. You met him, I know, at the "Three Pigeons" when you came to see me before we came over here. Well, he has left us for the time being - maybe permanently. He's having a months training with the R.A.O.C. (Royal Army Ordnance Corps) over here and if he is satisfactory will be taken on by them. Quite a number of skilled men in civilian life are leaving us that way.
That's all the news just now, Pop, so will close with my best wishes and love to all at home.
Thanks for thinking of the birthday present but if my suggestion is too expensive or unobtainable don't let it worry you. It will be a queer sort of birthday celebration over here anyway.
All the best,
Frank
Frank went to a concert where the compere and comedian was Fred Yule. Fred Yule joined the cast of I.T.M.A (Its That Man Again) from the third series in July 1941. He died in December 1982.
5/4/40
881937 L/Bdr.Faulkner
157th HAA Regt. RA
53rd HAA Battery RA
B.E.F.
Dear Dad,
Many thanks for your long and interesting letter from Brighton. I was glad to know more about the Selwyn Club and to learn how they got my name. Bill Bowthorpe I know well; I see him every Saturday morning at the Travellers meeting. I have now had 2 120's of Players cigarettes from the Selwyn Club and two pairs of socks which you forwarded for them.
Apparently you had a fine time trying to find a hotel for your Easter holiday. I hope you didn't have too much to drink at the Portland Hotel. You say the manager of the Crysello took you to the hotel in his car as you were "rushed for time". I will accept that statement!
So you haven't forgotten my birthday. Now, what would be a really useful present for you to send me? All I can think of is one of those zip-fastner cases with washing and shaving gear complete, similar to the one I bought you. That would be very useful.
Thanks very much for the 10/-. I'm waiting for the opportunity to have a good "blow out" with it. Am very pleased to hear from Edie that you gave her the same. Are you any more friendly with her?
I wrote to Auntie Bertha when I was on guard the other night to thank her for a large cake and various other things. There was no letter in the parcel to say how Frankie was going on.
I heard from Mr. Heather a few days ago to say that neither he nor anyone else at the G.E.C. could help me in the matter I wrote to him about. He would be pleased to furnish a recommendation, though, should it be wanted at any time.
In a letter I had from him some weeks ago Mr. Heather asked for my views on how the B.B.C. Programme for the Forces was received. So when I wrote recently I devoted about 2 pages to the subject and he tells me these will be forwarded to the B.B.C. eventually as they want "intelligent" comment from the B.E.F. I'll send you his letter one of these times.
There appears to be a "hold-up" on the question of Commissions and I don't expect to hear anything for some time yet.
Went to another concert during this week. It was quite good and the Comedian and the Compère was Fred Yule. You know him, I think. I fell for the girl who played the accordian - she was smashing!
Weather has been lousy the last 2 or 3 days. Plenty of rain and grey, depressing clouds. Still, I'm indoors most of the time so it doesn't matter much to me.
Do you remember Bulmer; the chap who was always singing "South of the Border" and had wavy hair. You met him, I know, at the "Three Pigeons" when you came to see me before we came over here. Well, he has left us for the time being - maybe permanently. He's having a months training with the R.A.O.C. (Royal Army Ordnance Corps) over here and if he is satisfactory will be taken on by them. Quite a number of skilled men in civilian life are leaving us that way.
That's all the news just now, Pop, so will close with my best wishes and love to all at home.
Thanks for thinking of the birthday present but if my suggestion is too expensive or unobtainable don't let it worry you. It will be a queer sort of birthday celebration over here anyway.
All the best,
Frank
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)