The British Empire Library


Nigerian Memories

by Noel Rowling


Courtesy of OSPA


Review by E.S.
At a time when it seems politic to denigrate the work of the Colonial Service it is refreshing to read this tribute to the dedication of a Colonial Officer even in the face of hostility. This dedication is shared by his wife who has to make the heartrending decision (one that had to be taken by so many of us) of separation from their young children for climatic and health considerations.

In a plenitude of nostalgic reminiscences Noel Rowling recaptures 21 years of life in Nigeria. Her story takes the reader through the years from the early thirties, the Second World War, and into the nineteen-fifties.

We can almost experience the rigours of the bush with the sometimes harsh climate and the strange and terrifying insects and reptiles.

But also apparent is the quiet yet determined will to live and serve in far-flung outposts which did - and still does - form the backbone of the Colonial Service.

As well as being an interesting historical account of the duties of a Colonial Officer in Nigeria, the book contains amusing anecdotes of life in primitive surroundings.

British Empire Book
Author
Noel Rowling
Published
1982
Pages
80
Publisher
Merlin Books Ltd.
ISBN
0863030513
Availability
Amazon


Library


Armed Forces | Art and Culture | Articles | Biographies | Colonies | Discussion | Glossary | Home | Library | Links | Map Room | Sources and Media | Science and Technology | Search | Student Zone | Timelines | TV & Film | Wargames


by Stephen Luscombe