3 September 1939 - Britain declares war on Germany

On the day that Britain declared war on Germany, 3 September 1939, Frank's letter is taken up with fairly mundane domestic issues and details of travel to Bramley in Hampshire.  It does feel incredible to be able hold and read a letter written on such an auspicious day.

Gnr. Faulkner F.A.

157th Battery R.A. (T)

War Dept. Building No.28

White City Road

W12

3/9/39

Dear Dad,

Have been trying to find an opportunity to write you since I arrived here but have not had a chance.  Even now time is limited so if I finish abruptly you'll know I have been called away on some job.

I received your card this afternoon.  It was brought down by some of the A.T.S. girls who I believe are just reporting for duty.

We left G. Park yesterday morning (Saturday) about 11.30am.  The others left earlier but I was one of the last to leave so it seems you just missed me.  What a shame after you had gone to the trouble and inconvenience of travelling to Gunnersbury.

Well, I am now near Bramley, a few miles from Basingstoke.  Actually the nearest village is a place called Sherfield but at present you must address correspondence though the White City.  Apparently this is Crown Land and is normally guarded by regulars who, I understand have been moved to Aldershot.  It is difficult to say how long we shall be here but the general feeling is that our next move, when it comes, will be abroad.

I hope you got my telephone message which I gave to Mrs Martin on the way down here.  I traveled on a civilian lorry with office equipment and following another one similarly loaded.  We stopped at a pub about 1 o'clock for cheese and beer and it was from there that I rang you.  I don't know the name of the place but it was about 10 miles from Hook.

Edie must feel fed up being away from home.  I hope she will stick it out though because it is safer for her.  It seems ages since I saw her and Anne.  Now that I'm so far away I suppose there will not be much chance.

I'm sorry you are getting so much hard work with B. Scty and Lodge work.  I can only thank you for doing the former and would ask you to expalin my absence from the latter.  I really have not the time to write a separate letter on that subject.

Apart from a violent storm last night the weather has been grand and we are not at all badly siuated here in a field under canvas.  It meant a lot of work yesterday, though, putting up the tents for H.Q. staff.

Must finish.  Pass my news on to Edie and Ernie.  Fond love to all.

Frank