Everybody is invited to attend this moving occasion, to be held at the MOTH Shellhole, Molengraaf Street in Phalaborwa.
The Battle of Delville Wood took place between 14 July and 03 September 1916, during the First World War. It was fought between the German army and allied British and Empire forces and took place in Northern France.
The battle is considered to have been a tactical Allied victory, though both sides suffered terrible losses.
The battle is of particular importance to South Africa as it was the first major engagement entered into by the South African 1st Infantry Brigade on the Western Front. The casualties sustained by this Brigade were of catastrophic proportions, with 80% of the Brigade lost. Despite this they courageously managed to hold the Wood as ordered.
Delville Wood is now a well-preserved woodland. The remains of the original trenches are visible, and it contains a museum and a monument to the fallen South Africans. Their sacrifice and contributions will be celebrated in Phalaborwa at the Remembrance Parade on 19 July and it is hoped that many of the community will attend to mark this poignant anniversary.
