IPSWICH THINGS TO DO

An Ipswich Man’s War – book launch

The Hold – Suffolk Archives Ipswich, Ipswich

Information - An Ipswich Man’s War – book launch

Join Suffolk Records Society for the launch of their 69th volume – An Ipswich Man’s War: The First World War Diaries of George Punchard. The book will be introduced with an illustrated talk by its editor Paul Botwright.

The diaries give a detailed account of George Punchard’s experiences in France, Belgium and on home service and also reveal the inner thoughts of an ordinary working man who served for the entire length of the War. Written-up in 1919 from his pocket notebooks, and supplemented with photos, postcards and some sketched plans, Punchard’s diaries also cast light on his fellow soldiers from Ipswich and East Suffolk who fought with him in the 4th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment. They include accounts of the battles of Givenchy, 2nd Battle of Ypres, and Neuve Chapelle (1914-15). Punchard was supportive of the war but also outspoken; the diaries highlight his strong belief in the importance of honesty and fairness, as well as his dry sense of humour.

Copies of the book will be available at a special launch price.

Non-members of Suffolk Records Society are most welcome and entrance is free – by ticket only.
7.00pm – Reception, with light refreshments available
7.30pm – The talk follows a very brief AGM of Suffolk Records Society