Upcoming SRS AGM and Book Launch for Volume 69: 

An Ipswich Man’s War – The First World War Diaries of George Punchard edited by Paul Botwright. 

The book will be introduced by its editor Paul Botwright at The Hold in Ipswich on Thursday 14 May 2026 at 7pm.

Entrance is free but if you wish to attend please book your ticket here.

The diaries give a detailed account of George Punchard’s experiences in France, Belgium and on home service, but also reveal the inner thoughts of an ordinary working man who served for the entire length of the War. He wrote out his diaries in 1919 and supplemented them with photographs, postcards and some sketched plans. The Diaries also cast light on Punchard’s fellow soldiers from Ipswich and East Suffolk who fought with him in the 4^th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment.

Punchard’s diaries provide accounts of the battles of Givenchy, 2nd Battle of Ypres, and Neuve Chapelle (1914-15). Invalided home from France he spent a year on the North Norfolk Coast on home defence duties before another two years in France and Belgium. 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.

7.00pm – Reception, with light refreshments available.

7.30pm – AGM of Suffolk Records Society.

8.00pm – Talk by Paul Botwright, editor.

Non-members can purchase a copy of Volume 69 at the launch event on the 14th May, or from the website here soon afterwards.