Between 25 and 29 July 1940 the Unit Diary contained the same entry:

Duties as detailed by Battery Commander 3rd Regt. Royal Artillery (R.A.).  Standing by for orders.

On 30 June 1940 the Battery was prepared for the journey from Gibralter to England.  The Diary said:

All working Parties and details withdrawn to Battery.

24 June 1940 - Frank's Dad Relieved he made it out of France

An unusual letter in the collection, being one to Frank from his father, William Faulkner (my Great Grandfather).  The sense of relief is palpable in the letter and gives an insight in to what those waiting at home for news from loved ones were going through.  Even after the massive setbacks to the allied cause in early 1940, William Faulkner acknowledges that Britain has an enormous job to do but says "WE SHALL WIN".  A moving and insighful letter.

The Mr Bowra who is mentioned was a next door neighbour whose wife lived well in to her nineties and I remember helping her in her garden when I was a child.

The Unit Diary for the 157th HAA Battery records that the Battery Commander paid a courtesy visit to HMS Hood whilst it was in the harbour at Gibralter.  Less than a year later the HMS Hood was sunk by the Bismark in the Atlantic.

24/6/40                                                                                                  Golders Green

                                                                                                               N.W.11

My dear Frank,

How very pleased we were to get your wire from Gibralter this morning.

Last Thursday Jack Sulston rang me up to say that all the Battery had been landed at Plymouth the previous day. This news was said to come from the O.C. and again from young John Rich who had telephoned his mother.

I got a special message sent via Golders Green S.O. to No. 37 and was satisfied you would write as soon as possible.

On Saturday morning Edie rang up the War Office and then Foots Gray, the information being that if you were not in this Country you were on the way. This action annoyed me as doubting my previous information but also it had the effect of unsettling me very much over the weekend. I was unhappy and would not stir from the house in case you arrived on leave.

Then this morning I rang Sulston again to confirm what he had told me. Upon returning from the call box Mrs. Foskett said a boy had brought your wire and everything then was rosy.

Uncle Frank took the Plymouth news to father Rogers last week and I was surprised to know that his son was home here in hospital. The old man rang me up this evening for your address as young Rogers wished to write to you. But there you are, we do not know whether you are in Gibralter for good or otherwise. I would have wired you by return if I was certain.

Anyhow if what he told me is correct you all had a turn in the gun pits and had a very rotten time.

You told me not to worry and that together with you being with an ex regular Sergt. Major has helped me. I have said prayers for you all times of day and night.

Fancy the French (above all) and after all the others letting us down!! I still do not believe her Empire or Navy will surrender and that Reynaud will form a government and fight from abroad. I could see your corner of the Maginot Line being turned and that you would all be in a tight corner. When I read of transport being bombed in the Loire - German Communique - I feared for you.

Britain has an enormous job now but WE SHALL WIN.

I am doing the late duty in the S.O. again and it is painful to hear the old women talking over the hedges. I count Meaden amongst 'em - you know he was never a cheerful happy sort. I'm afraid I snubbed him the last time he muttered and as for Bowra I told him our conversation was not doing much good.

Well you are seeing the World son. I remember passing Gib very well and took snaps of the sloping rock that went up to the Sugar Loaf Peak.

And you won't get that leave just yet. The garden and fish pond are absolutely perfection at the moment. Don't arrange it so you come home in a foot of snow next time.

Now I'm looking forward to a line which gives us some idea of how you got to that corner. It looks as though in the shamozzle some got in one boat and some in another.

            Good bye, God bless and keep asmiling chivvy through it all and believe me to remain

                                                            Your ever affectionate, Father

(This letter eventually reached Frank on 17/8/40 at 157th B.H.Q. after first having been posted to Gibralter)

Telegram Home from Gibralter

On 23 June 1940 Frank sent a telegram from Gibralter to his father in North London.  The telegram was received at 08.54hrs in Golders Green North London on 24 June 1940.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAM

ELT FAULKNER 106 WILIFIELD WAY = LDN NW11

=ARRIVED SAFELY AND AM QUITE WELL WRITING LATER

=FRANK FAULKNER

Safe Arrival in Gibraltar

On 21 June the 53rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment made it safely to Gibralter and the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel V R Krohn MC, RA, issued a Special Order of the Day.  This document provides a great summary of the previous 8 months whilst the Regiment was in France.  It also makes mention of Haddock Force, the unsuccessful deployment of RAF Wellington Bombers to the South of France to target Northern Italy.  The Regiment provided anti-aircraft defence at the airfield in Salon, North of Marseille. 

The SS Alma Dawson managed to convey 650 soldiers to the safety of Gibralter allowing them to escape from France and eventually return to the Britain.

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY

BY

LIEUT. COLONEL V. R. KROHN M.C R.A.

COMMANDING 53rd H.A.A. REGT.R.A.

FRIDAY - 21st JUNE, 1940

The occasion of our landing at GIBRALTER marks the end of the first phase of the War as far as the 53rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A. and attached troops are concerned.

The Regiment landed on French soil on the 17th October, 1939. Exactly eight months later, on the 17th June, 1940 the Regiment once more set foot on the equivalent of British soil - the deck of the S.S. ALMA DAWSON.

During these eight months all ranks have met and successfully overcome many hardships and difficulties. The winter months were especially trying, the lowest temperatures experienced for over 100 years having been met with on most gun stations. THE CHEERFULNESS AND GOODWILL DISPLAYED BY ALL RANKS, NO MATTER HOW TRYING THE CIRCUMSTANCES, HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT SOURCE OF PRIDE AND ADMIRATION TO ME.

On 10th May, 1940, the War proper commenced, and the efficiency of the Regiment was really tested for the first time. During the following six days the Regiment accounted for 8 or 10 hostile planes shot down, and double or treble this number probably never reached home. I say now, without fear of contradiction, that this can be considered a very creditable performance with the equipment in our possession, and I heartily congratulate all ranks on their success.

On the night of the 15/16th May, 1940, the Regiment lost 6 guns in country to the north of the RIVER AISNE in which German fighting vehicles were already patrolling. We were ordered to withdraw, and owing to the shortage of vehicles fourteen of the remaining guns had temporarily to be rendered useless to the enemy. During the same period we lost an Officer and 6 men taken prisoners. We also lost our beloved Padre, Capt. the Rev. Hobling. To these I extend the sympathy and good wishes of all ranks, and I trust, as do all of us, that they are at least being treated as human beings.

During the ensuing few days all these guns, ammunition and stores were salvaged under considerable difficulties, and eventually reinstated by Base Workshops at NANTES.

At about 48 hours notice the Regiment again moved to SALON to form the A.A. Defences of HADDOCK Force, and although the Gun Stations were not called upon to go into action against hostile aircraft, I am satisfied that there very presence in action around the aerodromes was a deterrent to the Italian Air Force.

After a relatively few days at these stations, circumstances beyond local control forced the withdrawal of Haddock Force. This withdrawal was effected at a few hours notice in a manner which was a credit to all concerned.

The fact that the Regiment was forced to leave behind its guns for the second time, but on this occasion with no chance of recovery, has been to me and all of us as gunners, a matter of the deepest regret. Our one satisfaction is that we have brought with us all essential instruments and parts of guns, thus rendering them useless to the enemy.

What destiny may have in store for us I do not know, but I know that all ranks will wish to be re-equipped with all possible speed, in order that we may once more be in a position to take our part in what must now be a struggle for the ultimate and complete defeat of the Nazi Regime.

I wish to take this opportunity to express to all ranks of the 53rd H.A.A. Regiment, of the 162nd Lt. A.A. Battery, Drivers of the R.A.S.C. and R.A.F. and to all the ranks of the Workshops Section of the R.A.O.C. attached to us, my very deep and sincere appreciation of the unswerving and loyal support that I have always received. My one wish now is that I may continue to have the honour of commanding the Regiment and once again taking it into action.

I wish also to express to Captain Townsend and the Officers and crew of the S.S. ALMA DAWSON, the appreciation and thanks of all ranks for their kindness and help to us all during our voyage to GIBRALTER. Few of us probably appreciate the responsibilities which Captain Townsend has had to accept in taking his ship with some 650 men on board unconvoyed through seas in which Hostile Submarines, and over which Hostile Aircraft, may well have attacked at ant moment. He and his men have truly lived up to the fine traditions of the Merchant Service.

V.R.Krohn

On board S.S.ALMA DAWSON                                             Lieutenant Colonel, RA

Friday                                                                                         Commanding

JUNE 21st, 1940.         53rd H.A.A. Regt.

                                                                                                    ROYAL ARTILLERY.

Another summary of the day's news produced for the troops on board the SS Alma Dawson as it sailed through Spanish waters en route to Gibraltar.  Interesting to note that in June 1940 Bordeaux was the temporary capital of France.

 

PRECIS OF NEWS BROADCAST IN ENGLISH 1900 hrs 20/6/40.

 

Contingents of Australian and N. Zealand troops arrived in England in high spirits to-day.  Messages of welcome from H.M. The King and Mr. Anthony Eden were read to the troops on board their ships.  Troops later disembarked and left by special trains for their camps.

 

Officially announced from BORDAEUX, temporary capital of France, that three representatives are now on way back to Bordeaux after meeting German representatives.  No details are available, but Italian newspaper states that cessation of hostilities is anticipated on Friday or Saturday.  French Prime Minister broadcast to nation to-day.  Said that an armistice was inevitable for reasons:- In May 1917 France had 31 million men under arms in spite of intense slaughter and fighting.  On the eve of present battle she had half a million fewer.  Also in 1918 France had far more British troops beside her, apart from American etc.  France was greatly inferior in numbers and materials and not so strong as 22 years ago.  Pleasure had prevailed avarice during the past years.  That was why misfortune had befallen her.

 

BORDEAUX heavily bombed last night.  Estimated 60 casualties.  100 raiders dropped heavy calibre bombs on air ports, shipping and the city.  50 houses destroyed.

 

100 German planes took part in raids on Britain last night.  8 people killed 60 injured.  3 Bombers shot down and a fourth disabled.  Bombs dropped for first time on Northern and Western areas.  Industrial areas apparently main objectives, and fires were started in three Northern towns.  Considering number of bombs dropped casualties and damage slight.  First news of raiders received just before midnight, and alarm lasted in some parts for five hours.  Within very few minutes of alarm being received one bomber shot down by Spitfires near north of Tees, second shot down in this area, and third shot down inflames Near Grimsby.  In East Coast town air raid warden clearing the streets was killed by a splinter.

 

R.A.F. raided two aerodromes in Northern France occupied by enemy.  Several hits obtained at ROUEN, and several bombers destroyed on the ground.  Intense A.A. fire encountered  Nr. AMIENS.  All aircraft returned safely.  Military objectives during night attacked in Ruhr, Rhine and Northern Germany.

 

15 Italian planes shot down during past 36 hours, during various engagements off Egyptian Coast, etc.  During 7 days since Italians entered war over 50 Italian planes destroyed without loss to ourselves.  French Air Force also very active.

 

Four more age groups are to be called up in Britain next month.  All 30-33 on Jan 1 this year to register.  Total number of men registered will then be over 4 million, although number in reserved occupations..

 

African offer to receive children evacuated from Gt. Britain under Evacuation Scheme has been accepted.  Thousands of parents are anxious to take advantage of the scheme.

 

Admiralty announce armed merchantman ANDANIA sunk after being torpedoed.  Two casualties only.  Ship's crew landed at British port.  Also trawler JUNIPER overdue and presumed lost during operations in Norwegian waters.

 

Estimated Canada will be able to export over 4 million bushels of wheat.

 

Precis of English News broadcast 19 June 1940

This document was produced on board the SS Alma Dawson and distributed to the troops. It consists of a closely typed single side of A4 with Stationary Office watermark.  It is a summary of the news from 19 June 1940 and has, in my view, a rather optimistic report on the early RAF Bomber Command raids on Germany.

PRECIS OF ENGLISH NEWS BROADCAST 2300 HRS 19/06/40.

The French Government met this morning.  it was decided to negotiate for cessation of hostilities.  Three well known leaders have been sent to a point in German occupied territory, to meet German Representatives.  No decision has yet been made by the French in reply to German's demands.  It was stated in France that France is determined not to accept anything which tends to destroy the structure of France.

Land fighting:  The enemy is continuing his operations in the West and is preparing to take Western ports.  French troops are holding the enemy on the Loire.  Army of the Alps has not yet had to defend itself at all either from Germans or Italian attacks.

Some 2000 Polish soldiers were taking up positions along the Swiss frontier when an advance was made by German tanks.  The Poles heroically smothered the German tanks in petrol, and set fire to them.  This temporarily stemmed the advance, but it is regretted that most of the Poles were wiped out.

R.A.F. RAIDS:  R.A.F. Bombers yesterday attacked columns of German motorised transport.  Enemy were thrown into disorder and many vehicles were destroyed.  Reconnaissances carried out over France, Holland and Belgium.  All aircraft engaged in these operations returned safely.  R.A.F. made raids on motor transport at CHERBOURG.  One German bomber was brought down by our fighters over CHERBOURG.  Two of our fighters failed to return from these operations, but it is known one pilot landed by parachute.

R.A.F. Bombers raided many places in Germany on Tuesday night. Bombs were dropped on oil storage tanks, rail communications, etc.  At HAMBURG bombs were dropped and several fires were seen to broken out.  In one place flames were seen shooting up by aircraft as they crossed the German coast 80 miles away.  Intense opposition was encountered at many points, and the fuselages of many of our machines were found to have been splintered.  At DUSSELDORF an attack was launched on a railway junction, many fires being started.  Large concentrations of troops in a marshalling yard were bombed, and fires started.  Two goods trains were both hit by bombs, and the yard itself left enveloped in a pall of black smoke.

A lightening raid was carried out at dawn yesterday by the Kings African Rifles on a n Italian outpost in Italian Somaliland, supported by R.A.F. planes.  The Italians were taken by surprise, and many prisoners were taken.  We withdrew, our losses were two native soldiers only.

An assurance was given in the House of Commons to-day that stocks of food in Great Britain were adequate.  Of the most essential foodstuff supplies were sufficient for many weeks, even assuming that no further supplies reached our shores.  Iron rations had been secretly stored near all big towns during the past few weeks, in case of necessity.  On the other hand, it is predicted by experts that famine will prevail in territories occupied by Germany.  Already the Danish pig industry is almost liquidated.  Germany has so far benefitted by long preparation, but economically time is on our side.  It was further stated that United States supplies, which would have gone to German occupied territories are now at our disposal.

Plans for a conference have been started between the pan American States, to consider points which have arisen from the European war.  Invitations have been sent out to 20 states, and so far 13 have accepted.