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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
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Another incident happened at the gunsite near Vaudesencourt. A had a new Padre who tried to hold a Service on Sundays. One particular Sunday whilst saying the Lord"s Prayer in his peculiar accent he became absolutely stuck and seemed not to remember the next word. Must have been embarrassing for him. At this stage somebody spotted his uniform which was not consistent with a Padre. His officer's cap badge and lapel badge were not correct. The game was up for a German spy. Without much ado he was arrested by the CO, marched away and shot dead with a revolver, probably his own. I know because I was there.
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