This is the second letter Frank wrote on 11 October 1939 and was written about an hour after the first letter. Although this letter is a bit calmer than the first, he is still not sure where they are going but is certain they will move off on 12 October 1939. The lack of embarkation leave is clearly a sore point!
Frank mentions leaving White City on 10 October 1939. The Unit Diary confirms this and shows they arrived at White City from Bramley on 8 October 1939. Whilst at White City all members of the Battery were innocualted ready for the move overseas.

11/10/39

66th A.A. Militia Camp
Arborfeild
Berks

Dear All,

I scribbled a hasty note to you about 1 hour ago and am trying to settle down to something more detailed.

Nobody knows where we are going but it seems certain we are leaving here tomorrow so don't write to me here.

All letters in future should be addressed to:

881937 Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A.A. Battery
53rd (City of London) H.A.A. Regt. R.A.
c/o Army Post Office.

This is a big camp community mostly of large huts. We are all in huts with beds so although it was 11.30 before I turned in last night and up at 6.30 a.m. this morning I had a really comfortable and restful nights sleep.

The camp is new and consequently there is plenty of mud about following recent rain. We miss 'Jack', our cook, but even so grub is not too bad. They dished our fellows out with steel plates and basins for eating and drinking and they were in a filthy rusty condition but I have kept my porcelain plate and mug so have no grouse in that direction.

Unless arrangements are changed, and you know they sometimes are, we shall get no draft leave. Army life is said to be a hard one but giving us no leave is really cruel.

As I was writing this one of the officers was talking and I heard him say we are being issued with anti-tank ammunition. He went on to say that the guns will be used for 'local' protection. Does that mean 'local' (pub) or estaminet.

We left White City at about 2.0pm yesterday and arrived here at 4.30pm. After a hot meal of stewed steak, peas (hard) and boiled spuds we were taken to the M.O. for inoculation for anti-tetanus.

Just going to lunch now and expect to be busy after so cheerioh to you all.
Love,

Frank

157th Battery moved from Bramley, Hampshire on 10 October 1939 to Arborfield near reading in Berkshire, as shown in the change of address at the top of the letter. This move was in preparation for a move overseas. The entry from the Unit Diary says "Stores and equipment being drawn and loading onto transport."

The uncertainty about the timing of the next move and going overseas is reflected well in this letter.

11/10/39

Arborfield

Dear Dad,

Just a hasty line to let you know we are going from this place tomorrow. What a rush! I'm not sure if our next move will be abroad but at any rate it will be soon and leave is out of the question. We all think it's very unfair.

They are making arrangements for our civilian clothes to be sent home in our kit bags but when and how I don't know. Some of the clothes are clean and some need washing. Will you please sort it out and save any letters that are enclosed.

I must try and write to Louise but if you get a chance, or Edie, perhaps you will let her know what I am doing. I promised her I'd let her know.

No more time now but if I get another chance of writing during the day, I will.

Fondest love to you all, xxxxxx for Anne.

Frank

Rumour just come in that arrangements have been mucked up re. our move, so don't worry until you know something definite. Will try and keep in touch as often as I can
F

This is the telegram (wire) referred to the letter sent on 7 October 1939 below.

7/10/39

6.00pm

Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.

Dear Dad,

Am going to wire you tonight to say all leave has been cancelled.

We are going back to Gunnersbury Park tomorrow prior to going abroad - we don't know where. I'm sure you will all be as disappointed as I am about the leave.

At any rate they will be sure to give us 48 hours draft leave before we go.

Excuse the haste,

Love to all

Frank

Click on the link below to see four pictures of Frank in the 157th Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery.

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This message is on a blank post-card, post marked Bramley 5/10/39.

5/10/39

Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.

Dear Dad,

Many thanks for sending parcel and for letter enclosed. Apparently it crossed mine in the post. Re leave - the train is due at Paddington at 11.12 am or if we miss the connection the next train arrives 12.00 noon, on Monday next 9th.

Looking forward to seeing you all and hope you will be on a suitable duty to spend some time with me.

Love to all,

Frank

p.s. Rain all night but warmer today. Will write Bedford.

3/10/39

Gnr. Faulkner F.A.
157th A. A. Battery R.A.
Central Ordnance Depot
Bramley. Basingstoke
Hants.

Dear Dad,

Welcome news!

Another leave roster has just been decided on, in fact, so hurriedly that I thought at first we were due for overseas, particularly when inoculation was mentioned.

It appears that a new officer (Capt. Gibson) who has come from one of our Gun Stations to H.Q. has pressed the Major for another 48 hours leave with success. The inoculation is a matter of course and since we have to pay our own fares it is quite obvious they don't expect us to be sent abroad just yet. Otherwise we would of had a free Railway Warrant.

Again I am among the early ones on the leave schedule. My turn begins on Monday next 9th October starting at 9.30 a.m. and returning here at 10.45 a.m. on Wednesday. 8.55 a.m. train from Paddington gets me in in time. The 9.59 a.m. train from Bramley, with a change at Reading, reaches Paddington at * a.m.

*Not known at present but will advise you later should anyone like to meet train.

If you have not sent my winter woollies please wait till I get home. And whilst on the subject thank you for sending parcel of clothes as requested, on your return from your stay here. I'm wearing the pyjamas (at nights!) now and the other pair have been washed by one of the A.T.S. Pants and vest I'm also wearing so your efforts were not entirely wasted.

I'm told now that we go to Cheshunt after all on 16th October but as I've heard so many tales which have proved false, though emanating from reasonably authoritative quarters I shall not believe it until we move.

Gnr. Badham is going up to London right away so will finish up so that he can take this.

Fond love to you and all at '37' with xxxxxx for Anne.

Frank