Clipstone Camp explored in new book

The bustling camp housed more than 30,000 men and women during the First World War, with soldiers being trained in the art of trench warfare, before heading off to the trenches in France and Belgium.

The book, entitled Clipstone Camp and the Mansfield Area during World War One, has been written by local historian Pauline Marples, who has been researching the camp since 1993.

The book’s launch last week coincides with a major exhibition at Mansfield Museum planned for October and November next year.

Pauline said: “In recent months there has been a large amount of renewed interest in the Clipstone Camp - possibly because the centenary of the start of the First World War is fast approaching.

“The wonderful thing about producing the book is that it will be here for generations to come and I hope it will become a valuable educational resource.”

Soldiers began to arrive at Clipstone Camp in May 1915. Each camp line could hold a battalion of men.

The lines were self sufficient and contained sleeping quarters, mess rooms, cook houses and parade grounds.

The area which now forms part of Sherwood Pines saw rifle and machine gun ranges constructed, some of which still exist to this day.

Pictured: Pauline Marples with her new book on Clipstone Camp.