Terence King holding his book “A Sapper, an Officer and a Gentleman”
If you like exploring military history and family history then find some time to read an interesting book written by Ipswich local, Terence King. Terence recently donated a copy of his book – “A Sapper, An Officer and A Gentleman: the Story of Lieutenant Charles William King MM “ 1st Pioneer Battalion, The Great War 1914-1918 and its Aftermath” to the Ipswich Library. The book is written as a tribute to Terry’s grandfather, Charles King, and is based upon the war diaries recorded by Charles from April 1915 to January 1917.
While the book tells the story of Charles William King who registered for enlistment at the Ipswich Drill Hall on the 21st August 1914 – it also tells the story of the other soldiers who served alongside him during WWI. To add context to the diary entries, Terry has undertaken extensive research to provide maps, historical images, drawings and other supporting material to outline the relevant events happening during the time the diaries were being kept.
A Sapper, An Officer and A Gentleman is of particular significance to the extended family of Charles King, but also provides a window to the sacrifice and hardships experienced by all the ANZAC soldiers on the battlefields during the Great War.
The book is available to read in the Ipswich History Room, Ipswich Central Library. With special thanks to Terence King for his kind donation which will make an informative addition to the local history collection.