An Unexpected Journey: Life in the Colonies at Empire's End: A Woman's Role

Travelling into some distant, challenging and at times dangerous regions of the world during episodes of political unrest, the book follows the author's role in the process of supporting her husband’s work in preparing and supporting the population of countries on the eve of their formation of independence. The details of the conditions and worries of the local population during the period of Military Occupation and Administration in Eritrea are fascinating, as is the author and her husband's adaptation to this new way of life after their time in the services during WWII. They form an intriguing insight into the author's life as she accompanied her husband on his ascension through the ranks of the Colonial Service in Africa, specifically in Tanganyika and Bechuanaland, where he ultimately worked at a senior level with the newly independent Botswana Government. In these autobiographical memoirs, taken from diaries written at the time, the author writes frankly about the frustrations and successes of her role alongside her husband’s work. Her voluntary work was generally of a supportive nature; at times she instigated the provision of education for young Moslem girls, worked in clinics and schools, or informed and supported mothers with malnourished or sick infants. She also helped to give purpose to female prison inmates through her organised craft work sessions, gave employment and support to prisoners due to be released from gaol, and was generally aware and willing to assist anyone who might need her support. In this way, the author and her husband were well matched and clearly made a formidable team. The way in which she made a difference to those less fortunate than herself and sought to improve the lives of local peoples, particularly the women and children she came into contact with, is inspirational. Her compassionate and sensitive treatment of staff, always taking into account the local customs or religious considerations ensured the smooth running of the household and that official duties largely ran to plan. After twenty-five years in Africa, the author then joined her husband in his posting to the beautiful but remote tropical islands of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in the Western Pacific, or Kiribati and Tuvalu as they are now known. This fascinating opportunity to learn about the customs and ways of the proud warrior-like seafaring nation, with their strong cultural heritage, was not lost on her and she found the people warm and welcoming. Their final posting in the Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean Islands was not the happiest of postings, but the author rose to the challenges that came her way and supported her husband in all of his endeavours. Each new location brought rewards and challenges and her approach to these, sprinkled with humour, makes for some entertaining reading.