Clipstone Camp and a Doggie Story

Among these soldiers at Clipstone Camp is is Walter Fred Lawrance of the York and Lancs Regiment, he is smoking a pipe and holding a puppy.

Private collection

Not forgetting'Wetford'

By Pauline Marples

Among my collection of Clipstone Camp photographs are some of soldiers and a nurse with dogs on their knees, (see example photo), could any of them be the little dog mentioned in the newspaper story. 

Discovered in the Yorkshire Telegraph and Star' Newspaper. January 22nd 1916 under 'Notts. Notes - Doings in Mansfield, Retford and Worksop.'

'High winds and rain have prevailed almost without any considerable intermission in the Retford district recently, and the soldiers hereabouts suggest that the name of the town should in future be spelt Wetford.

Writing of the military reminds us of a local dog story which is quite true, and is a striking instance of the sagacity of these faithful animals. 

 A terrier was accustomed to follow his master's conveyances with supplies to the Clipstone Camp, and was much petted by some of the soldiers. When it got its foot injured in a trap in the woods, some of the veterinary corps rendered first aid, after which it became still more attached to its camp friends, and when some of the detachments left for France the dog went with them.

 Out there it rode regularly on the supply vans, and one day when passing a body of newly arrived troops it suddenly became wild with excitement, and could not be controlled. Amongst the new arrivals it had recognised its master.'