This talk - to commemorate both VJ Day and VE Day - is for anyone interested in military history; regimental history; the campaigns of the Second World War; the experiences of men and their families from Haughley and the surrounding area, including Pakenham, Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich; in oral history; photographs and documents of the period; and in the nature of historical evidence.

Anyone – whether from the Haughley area or further afield - is most welcome to attend. The talk lasts an hour and refreshments (tea and coffee) will be available.

Please note: Inevitably the talk contains references to some upsetting themes, such as loss of life, injury, and the terrible harm that men can do to one another. While it is up to parents or guardians to decide, it is suggested it is not suitable for anyone under 12 years old.

While the talk is based on a range of individual accounts and histories already gathered, the author would be very interested to meet anyone else from the area with similar memories and family histories, at the end of the talk, with a view to possibly publishing a booklet on the subject.

Dr Mike Walker is a professional historian who has published on Suffolk history and been a regular history contributor to BBC Radio Suffolk