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.