This year we celebrate 80 years since VE Day. To mark this historic occasion, the Suffolk Archives are hosting an event on Saturday 8th November ‘80 years since VE Day – Ipswich men who fought in World War 2’.

Jane Bradburn and Maureen Stiles, daughters of soldiers who served in the 67th Medium Regiment R.A. T.A., have teamed up with Andrew Beal and Helen Eley of the Ipswich War Memorial Project to bring you stories of capture, escape, tragedy and survival.

Join us in honouring the Ipswich men of the 67th Medium Regiment R.A. T.A who fought and fell during World War Two. The event will include:

• Expert talks and guidance on researching your family’s military history

• Heartfelt stories from descendants of captured soldiers

• Exhibition of photos, letters and personal testimonies

• Ipswich War Memorial Project and its growing digital archive

• The forgotten story of the 67th Medium Regiment R.A. T.A.

The Ipswich War Memorial project is something Ipswich can be rightly proud of. Originally set up to digitally preserve images and create profiles of the Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in both World Wars and up to the present, the Ipswich War Memorial website now contains hundreds of never-before-seen photos of those who died serving their country. It is a unique source of information about Ipswich military past thanks largely to stories and photos sent in by local families. The website now also hosts information about the 67th Medium Regiment R.A. T.A.

The 67th Medium Regiment was made up largely of Ipswich men who were sent to fight in the desert in 1941 against General Rommel (the Desert Fox). Unfortunately for them they were out foxed by Rommel, the entire regiment was captured at Tobruk and the men sent into captivity. Families back home had little idea of what had happened to their loved ones. Local newspapers published photos of the ‘missing men’. Their stories will be revealed at the event.

This is a great opportunity to find out more about Ipswich men and women who fought during the war. There will be talks given by local experts and researchers on hand to help with advice and queries. Do come along and find out more about the men who served and remember those who died.

Saturday 8th November 1.0 – 4.0pm at The Hold, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich. Tickets £8.

To book visit Suffolk Archives at https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whats-on/ or call 01473 296666.