The Belgian Soldier

We went exploring today and having taken a slightly different route to that planned, came across this carving on a tree. It dates back to 1917 and according to the plaque nearby:

"During the First World War, Norton Hall, near Mickleton was opened as a hospital for wounded soldiers.  Among the patients were some Belgian men.  One of them, Victor Joseph De Martelaere, died and was buried at the Church of St Lawrence in Mickleton where his grave can still be seen.  Another of the Belgian men, it is assumed, made his way into Baker’s Hill Wood and carved this outline of a Belgian soldier. Although the inscription on his kepi is largely indistinguishable, it looks as if there are two initials followed by his name and the date 1917."

Hope you've had a good day.