Dogs, Goats, Bulbs and Bombs: Esther Rowley's Journals 1940-45

Extracted from four of her diaries, this book is a unique record of the day-to-day life of Esther Rowley, a remarkable woman of intelligence and strong character, who lived at Cranford Avenue in Exmouth between 1940 and 1945, an unforgettable period in British history. Initially joining the ATS in Exeter, she left in 1941 to care for her elderly and increasingly frail mother. She graphically describes the Exmouth air raids of 1941 and 1942, the aftermath of the Exeter ‘Baedeker Blitz’ and a terrifying experience in 1943 when German planes raced across her lawn at tree-top height, machine gunning and dropping bombs. The diaries resonate with energy and activity as imminent danger and wartime loss of friends gave Esther the determination to live each day at a heightened intensity as she enjoyed party going, playing tennis, walking her dogs, gardening and constantly seeking new challenges like keeping bees and rearing goats. Rich in detailed minutiae of the period, this book will appeal to all those wanting to discover the reality of wartime life.

John Folkes worked in publishing for 20 years and is now retired. He has an MA in Early Modern English History from the University of London. He is the vice chairman of Exeter Postcard Society and a member of the Exeter Local History Society, and is the author of "Exmouth Postcards" and "Taunton."