Armistice Talk to Raise Funds for Renovation of First World War Memorial Garden

TW Gaze is to host a fund-raising evening talk by Dr John Greenacre, Lecturer in History from Suffolk University on Wednesday 14 November.

John Greenacre retired from active service in 2011 having spent twenty four years in the British Army as a logistician, reconnaissance helicopter pilot and staff officer. He deployed on operations to Iraq and Kuwait, Bosnia and Northern Ireland and also worked in Germany, the Falkland Islands, Canada and Kenya.

He is a graduate of the Joint Services Advanced Command and Staff Course, has an MA in Military Studies from Cranfield (2004) and graduated at Leeds University with a PhD in History with his thesis, ‘The Capability Development of British Airborne Forces during the Second World War’ (2009). He is currently a lecturer in history at the University of Suffolk covering the Twentieth Century World Wars and the Cold War. Auction Rooms Director Elizabeth Talbot said: “Dr Greenacre has headed up the university’s First World War Centenary activities and so it is a great honour to welcome him as guest speaker at our own very special event”.

The event will begin at 7pm in the newly opened Waveney Room at the firm’s Diss Auction Rooms on Roydon Road and will include a preview of the Centenary Militaria Sale to be held on Saturday 17 November. Marking the 100th Anniversary of the First World War Armistice, Dr Greenacre will illustrate his talk with some of the lots included in the auction.

John Greenacre is also an active battlefield and historical tour guide working across Europe with a variety of groups including British and NATO units and formations. TW Gaze’s specialist Militaria valuer and organiser of the November auction, Ed Taxil-Webber, commented “The evening will be the perfect opportunity to learn more about the First World War first hand; seeing and handling artefacts which heighten the poignancy and significance of the Centenary whilst listening to a speaker who puts them into context”.

Entry is £5 by ticket, with proceeds going to John Greenacre’s chosen charity, the restoration of Saint Felix School First World War Memorial Sunk Garden. To book tickets, please contact Hannah Knapp: h.knapp@twgaze.co.uk

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