This is Frank’s first full letter for 6 weeks (23 April 1940) when he described a tranquil afternoon lunching with some French soldiers near Reims. By 2 June he is in Nantes, the Dunkirk evacuation (Operation Dynamo) is coming to an end and the Germans are about to swing south through France. Sadly he is unable to describe the previous 6 weeks but it seems incredible that letters and parcels were still getting through to him and that only at this time were parcels no longer accepted for the BEF. He ends on a hopeful note that it will continue being quiet for some time to come. How wrong could he be!

The Unit Diary entry for today was the same as yesterday.

2/6/40

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

Dear Dad,

Many thanks for your letter dated 22nd May which I received on the 31st along with one from Edie post marked "25th".

It was nice to hear from you both though it made me think a lot about home. By now you will have received the letter I wrote several days ago addressed, I think, to Edie. From that you will know that I'm safe and sound and that you need not worry about me.

We are allowed to write letters but naturally we have to be careful what we say. In other words we are practically limited to purely family matters to make up our letters.

So the G.E.C. scheme "went West" after all this long time. However, they are doubtless making their money in other directions nowadays and won't miss a mere £400 order.

After a break of about a fortnight I am doing a turn on guard again. At 4.15am I feel more awake than I did earlier on although I've had no sleep in the meantime. The birds are just waking up now.

The same day I received your letter I got a large parcel from Percy Bedford - sent by the Army and Navy Stores. I shall be dropping him a line shortly but if you are in touch with him perhaps you would mention the fact that it arrived quite o.k.

I'm told that no more parcels or registered letters will be accepted in future for the B.E.F. I can't grumble as I have done very well in the past in that respect. Fortunately we are able to obtain nearly all our requirements such as groceries and tobacco from the E.F.I.

Rogers is on the sick list at the moment - a slight injury to his hand, so I am looking after his pay job until his return.

Speaking of pay; I'm saving quite a bit as there has been no chance to spend money during the past fortnight. If they will accept registered letters on this side I shall be sending some home soon.

I'm pleased to say that I am keeping very fit. Things are quite where we are and I think it will continue thus for some time to come - at least I hope so.

I will endeavour to drop Edie a line in a day or two. I can't face dealing with all outstanding letters of yours and Edie's so if you don't mind I will "file" them and try to keep abreast of correspondence as it comes along. I should be able to do that now.

Fondest love to all at home and xxxxxxx for Anne.

Frank