A new book has been published by local author Derek Sturch, exploring the growth and development of Millwey Rise and his life in post-war Axminster.

The book titled, “A Squatter’s Write”, explores Derek’s time as a squatter, living in the abandoned 315th US Army Station Hospital - built for the anticipated casualties from the WW2 D Day landings in Normandy - which became known as the “Camp” when people started taking advantage of the empty units to make their homes.

“A Squatter’s Write” provides an insider’s perspective on the embryonic beginnings of what the Millwey Rise community has become today, the infrastructure, the people, the families and the development of those early days, seen through the eyes of an original “squatter” – as well as it’s integral associations with Axminster throughout this period.

Author Mr. Sturch said, “Obviously today’s houses on Millwey Rise bear little resemblance to those that the early civilian squatters moved into in the Autumn of 1946. The original buildings were constructed around 1943 to house the American 315th Station Hospital in readiness to receive their anticipated casualties from the planned 1944 invasion of Europe.

"I cover this from my own perspective and of the years 1944 - 1961 as it began developing into the Community it is today.”

Through a range of verse, prose and diary entries, Derek shares the stories of how the new community developed after the war and how his family and many others helped lay the foundations and build a new life in post-war Axminster.

The book will soon be available from Archway Bookshop, Axminster.