In 1992 Shirley Schofield set out to gather reminiscences from wives of Northern Rhodesia
Policemen in order to produce a record of how things were from their point of view.
The result is an admirable illustrated paperback, the contents of which have been gleaned
from the contributions received from some 15 police wives.
Wisely Mrs Schofield has not just reprinted the various submissions, but extracts from
each have been used to cover the progression from birth, in some cases, through early experiences,
then travel to Northern Rhodesia, marriage, the subsequent trials and pleasures of
life in Africa and on to the time after independence when, with regret, they felt bound to
leave.
All the vagaries of life are covered, from houses lacking all mod. cons., life in the bush,
servants, childbirth, emergencies and much of the lighter side.
Shirley Schofield has done a fine job in editing and arranging the various 'snippets' she
has used into the making of what is a remarkably coherent book written in clear and concise
descriptive English. It is a most readable book which adds a valuable insight into the life and
times of Colonial Police families.
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