With the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the World War 2 approaching here is the first letter  Frank sent to his father after being called up on 23 August 1939.  I found this letter along with 2 others in another box of papers since posting the other letters 5 years ago.  His war started in a school in Gunnersbury Park, West London in some comfort, belying what was to come for Frank over the next 6 years.  Nice to see a mention of Woolworth!

26/8/39

Dear Dad,

Am now at Lionel Road School, Gunnersbury Park.  Very comfortable and food excellent.

If you get an opportunity of looking me up I should be very glad to see you (or Edie, Ernie & Anne) but in any case letters must go through White City address as before.

I got your Cleave letter yesterday evening and although it was late it was welcome - it seemed such ages since I heard from anyone but, of course, it really isn't as it was just a week ago I was at 37.

Could you please let me have clean army shirt, socks ( 2 pairs), pants, vest and drying-up cloth which I put in laundry bag last week.  Would also like writing pad and envelopes (in one cover) from Woolworths if it is no trouble.

Will try and phone you Monday morning unless I hear from or see you meantime.

Love to all,

Frank