From: 14 July 2019 at 06:00 AM

Until: 14 July 2019 at 17:00 PM

Location: MOTHs Turbi Hills Shellhole in Louis Trichardt

On Sunday, 14 July, a number of wreaths will be laid at the MOTHs Turbi Hills Shellhole in Louis Trichardt to commemorate the battle of Delville Wood and to pay tribute to the South African soldiers who lost their lives during this battle.

The Battle of the Somme occurred between 1 July and 18 November 1916 and is described as one of the bloodiest battles in human history. More than one million men were wounded or killed on the banks of the river Somme in France. 

The South African influence on the battle was significant. On 15 July 1916, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade were sent into Delville Wood to clear it of German troops and consolidate the front line. The fighting was fierce and soon the 1st SAI Battalion was also sent in, making for a total of 
3 032 men and 123 officers.

The soldiers entering the wood were exposed to gunfire from all sides and the casualties were severe. One regiment, the 4th Battalion, entered the wood with 699 men. A week later, only four officers and 38 men marched out. Overall, only 755 officers and men of the entire brigade survived. The remaining 2 400 men were either killed, wounded or missing.

The ceremony at Turbi Hills Shellhole at 66 Burger Street will start at 10:30 for 11:00. Residents who had family members or close friends who were involved in this battle are welcome to participate in the event. The general public is also welcome to attend. Tea and coffee will be served afterwards.

For more information, or to arrange for the laying of a wreath, Leon Barnard can be contacted at 082 893 5965 of Freddie Louw at 082 670 7020.

Tel: 082 893 5965