Remembering those who came before

The St Boniface Anglican Church helped residents to remember the men of the First South African Infantry Division who fell in the Battle of Delville Wood.

The act of remembrance was witnessed through the church’s “We will remember them” service held at the church, recently.

This is an annual event and this year the emphasis was on commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Delville Wood, a major battle fought as part of the Somme Offensive in the First World War in 1916.

“The suburb of Delville in our city was created as a living memorial to those men of the First South African Infantry Division who gave their lives in this battle,” said the church’s Rev Malcolm Chalmers.

“The streets in Delville are also named after battles of the First World War.”

Community and church members gathered at the church for the short heart-warming service.

“The All Souls Chapel in St Boniface Church was consecrated in 1918, at the end of the war, with wooden panels on which the names of those in the Parish of Germiston made the supreme sacrifice are written,” explained Chalmers.

To the left of the altar is a framed Roll of Honour listing the dead of the Second World War.

Those who have died in subsequent conflicts are listed in the Book of Remembrance.

The Rev Mother Marlene Rodda, Rector of the Parish of Germiston, directed the service and was assisted by her husband, Rev Father John.

The guest preacher was Rev Dr Stephen Day, minister of the Germiston Central Methodist Church.

The service included the performance of a choir conducted by Chalmers with his wife, Janet, on the organ.

“This moving service truly paid homage to all those in our country who have died in conflict as well as praying for peace,” said Chalmers.