Delville Wood commemoration for Durban
A commemoration service for the Battle of Delville Wood was held in Durban today.
THE SA Legion hosted the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood in Durban this morning.
The public and military guests were treated to a parade down Gardiner Street, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph opposite Durban City Hall.
The Battle of the Somme, which commenced 100 years ago on 1 July 1916, marked the turning point in terrestrial warfare. Beforehand cavalry was the supreme weapon, afterwards the tank and aircraft reigned. Cavalry was used at the beginning of the epic Battle of Delville Wood and tanks at the conclusion. But for a brief period it was the war of infantrymen alone. At Delville Wood the 1st South African Infantry Brigade was to show what that meant, and their feat can never be surpassed.
Shortly after midnight on 15 July 1916, the 1st South African Infantry Brigade, consisting of 121 officers and 3153 men under the command of General Tim Lukin, was ordered to capture and hold “at all costs” an area of the Somme known as Delville Wood. What followed is a story of extraordinary heroism and endurance, a story of which South Africans may forever be proud.
But it cost the South Africans dearly, for when the ammunition was completely spent and the Brigade was finally relieved, only five officers and 750 men, mostly walking wounded, were able to parade in front of their commander – a total of 2373 casualties, made up of 1709 severley wounded and 664 dead.
Speaking at the event in Durban, Rev Clive Jacobson, chaplain of the SA Legion Durban Branch, said the gathering was to commemorate these South African soldiers who gave their lives 100 years ago in the Great War from 1914 to 1918.
“We thank God for those men who gave their lives for freedom. We gather so that we may never forget, and remember these men who shed their blood for freedom. We pay homage to them today,” he said.
Following the address and benediction, the Last Post was played and the South African flag was flown at half mast. Firing cannons signalled a moment of silence in remembrance of those lost, which was followed by the Reveille.
Wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph by officers representing the various regiments, in honour of those who lost their lives in battle.
