Remembering fallen soldiers
Last Sunday morning, the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) hosted a parade in commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood, paying homage to the soldiers who lost their lives, several of whom hailed from South Africa.
History is often written in the aftermath of battle.
Last Sunday morning, the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) hosted a parade in commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood, paying homage to the soldiers who lost their lives, several of whom hailed from South Africa.
The Delville Wood Battle occurred during the Battle of Somme from July until November 1916.
Allied forces were ordered to march through the woods in an attempt to seize control from German forces.
In the ferocious battle, 22 500 Allied forces were killed and a further 35 000 wounded.
It was during this bloody battle that the first South African Infantry Brigade was ordered to take and hold the woods at all costs.
Under the leadership of Brigadier General Tim Lukin, the infantry did just that, but the cost of their heroic actions was high.
Altogether 121 officers and 3 052 other soldiers of the brigade marched into the woods and only 140 soldiers, two wounded officers and Colonel Edward Thackeray walked out after holding
German forces back for six days and five nights.
Now, 99 years later, MOTH Shellholes across the country pay their respects towards the men who fought in this grave battle.
