SA remembers Delville Wood
Edwin Tshivhidzo
19 July 2004
South Africa is commemorating the Battle of Delville Wood in France this week, in remembrance of the country's soldiers who died there during the two World Wars.
Major General Dan Mofokeng and Chief of Reserves Major General Roy Anderson are representing South Africa at the annual Delville Wood Remembrance Day on Monday.
According to the South African Defence Force, a large number of black and white soldiers died in Delville Wood on 16 July 1916 when they were ordered to defend the area.
A brigade consisting of 3 200 men entered the wood, which was surrounded by the enemy on three sides. After suffering heavy bombardment for six days, they withdrew after running out of ammunition. Only 750 of the men survived.
The two officers will also attend a wreath-laying ceremony at cemeteries in Longueval, Delville Wood and Arques la Bataille on Tuesday.
Delville Wood is become a South African National War Memorial site. An altar stone was
unveiled there on 5 June 1952 to commemorate the fallen soldiers, and a memorial museum, managed by the Department of Defence, was opened in 1986.
"In this tenth year of our democracy and freedom, it is fitting that we remember and acknowledge the contribution and sacrifices made by the thousands of black and white South Africans in the cause of world freedom many years ago", General Mofokeng said.
Source: BuaNews
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