Annual Delville Wood Parade honours fallen South Africans

The parade commemorates the sacrifice made by South Africans during World War I.

July 23, 2022

Chelsea Pieterse 1 minute read

The Memorable Order of Tin Hats hosted its annual Delville Wood Parade at the Kaapsehoop Cemetery on Saturday morning, July 16.

South African forces fought on the Western Front in Europe, from July 15 to September 3, 1916, and it was deemed one of the bloodiest battles. They were wiped out during the battle against the Germans, but they defended their position. The SA brigade faced a relentless German army, suffering huge casualties as a result.

ALSO READ: Burnt bodies found in charred vehicle in Pienaar still to be identified

The battle saw 3 000 South Africans enter the woods, however, only 768 survived.

ALSO READ: SANParks addresses video of dead leopard being slapped

Several members of the McAllister family, descendants of one of the soldiers who fought in the battle and is buried in the Kaapsehoop Cemetery, also attended.
The local Stevenson-Hamilton Pipe Band played at the parade and the Lowveld Aero Club did a flyover.

The event had a rather large turnout, and attendees went to enjoy food and drinks at The Bohemian Groove Café in Kaapsehoop following the parade.