Whilst completing research on the history of the village of Sidestrand, on the North Norfolk coast, an interesting item emerged: a pocket book of poems and drawings, clearly written to a local girl, mainly from military personnel. A military training camp was established in the village during the First World War, and many soldiers who were stationed there signed their names and left messages, drawings and poems for it's owner, such as this charming composition:
There’s a little place called Sidestrand
Somewhere along the coast
And to a girl I met there I wish to raise this toast
May all her life be happy
And her troubles be but few
May she never forget her old friends
When accompanied by her new
The poem was signed J.Wood, of D Company, 27th King’s Liverpool Regiment, Sidestrand Camp. When researching the identity of this J. Wood within surviving World War I service records and medal rolls, there were over 20 possible candidates. If only he had recorded his service number in the notebook as well, or even his first name!
