Harry Arthur Alfred Punchard, son of Harry Punchard, a cab driver, and Jane Young was born 6 September 1902 in Brighton, Sussex, England. [1] The oldest of three, Harry spent his childhood living at 15 Argyll Road from where he went to school. [2]
At the age of sixteen, on 17 February 1919, Harry joined the Royal Air Force in the Boy section. By this stage of his life, he was noted as being 5' 2" today, with a 29" chest, brown hair, brown eyes, and a medium complexion. The family was still living on Argyll Road and Harry listed his father as next-of-kin.
Harry seems to have done well in the Air Force, moving into the adult section on his 18th birthday and being awarded the Good conduct badge on 6 December 1923 while flying with 31 Squadron. However, he was transferred to the reserves on 17 February 1927 and was discharged 16 February 1931. By this stage he was living at 62 Tamworth Road in Hove. [3][4]
Harry married Hilda May Butchers 26 January 1929 in Aldrington, Sussex. [5] The couple had two girls. The youngest, Audrey was born 13 September 1931 in Hove.
By September 1939, the family had moved to 101 Cambridge Road in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Harry was working as a Metal Tunner in the aircraft industry. It is quite possible that he worked at the De Havilland factory just down the road in Hatfield. [6]
Harry died in the September quarter of 1976 in St Albans, aged about 74. [7]
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P > Punchard > Harry Arthur Alfred Punchard
Categories: England, Aero Engineers | England, Airmen | Royal Air Force | Brighton, Sussex
Just a note to say I have added an image and a sticker to Harry's profile as part of the work I am doing during November to remember our service men and women.
Hope you like the additions
Regards Janet