"So the balloon has gone up at last"

Frank wrote this letter on the day that Germany invaded Poland and triggered the start of the Second World War.  His hope that war could be avoided must have been based on his experience the previous summer (1938) when he was called up during the Czech Crisis and then stood down when a peace agreement was reached.  His matter of fact comment "so that's that" probably reflects his generation's feeling of the inevitability of war following the 1914-18 conflict and the rise of fascism in Europe during the 1930s.

Frank wrote to Edie (Edith, his sister, my Grandma) who had left London as war became imminent and was in Kidderminister with Anne (her daughter, my mother).

Gunr. Faulkner F. A.

157th A.A Battery R.A. (T)

War Dept. Building No. 28

White City Road

W12

1/9/39

Dear Dad,

Thought I would drop you a short note in case we are moved from here before you arrive this-evening.

So the balloon has gone up at last.  I felt all along that war would be avoided but it has happened so that's that.  We have started packing some of our equipment in readiness for another move.  The Sergeant Major told me confidentially that it may be to a place near Guildford but I have also heard from another source that the 281st A.A. Batty. are moving there tonight so it seems there may be some confusion.  The 281st are a new Battery formed from the overflow of recruits from 157th Battery and have their H.Q. in the same school as us.

It's most probable I shall see you this-evening but thought a note from me would reassure you in case not.

Wrote a long letter to Edie last night - 6 pages.

How did you get on with your "Signals" job?

Trust you and Ernie are well.

Love,

Frank