Civic Memorial & Delville Wood Commemoration Service.
Durban Cenotaph, by Durban City Hall: Sun, 17 Aug, 10:30am.
Cenotaph, Farewell Square, Dorothy Nyembe (previously Gardiner) Street
The Battle of Delville Wood in WW1 is being commemorated at the Annual Civic Memorial and Delville Wood Commemoration, at the Durban Cenotaph, Dorothy Nyembe (formerly Gardiner) Street, alongside Durban City Hall, on Sunday, 17 August starting at 10:30am.
Commemoration Parades are presented annually on behalf of the Mayor and the City of Durban to honour South Africans who have died in service of South Africa in major conflicts and Peace Support Operations. This Commemoration Service is initiated by the South African Legion of Military Veterans; together with the SANDF which co-ordinates the Military participation, and the Municipality which prepares the Cenotaph and hosts guests after the service on behalf of the mayor.
Every year in July, members of the military, civic organisations, military veterans; education institutions, eThekwini leadership and members of the public honour lives lost in Delville Wood. In a world ravaged by war and conflict, now more than ever is the time to pay our respects to lives lost in all wars and be reminded of the crucial need to unite in campaigning for peaceful solutions in our country and abroad.
“We are given an opportunity to pay our respects to those brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, medics and policemen who laid down their lives in countless wars and situations of conflict” says Colonel (Ret) Pat Acutt, one of the organisers of the event.
“There you will see wreaths and crosses laid by most of our veterans’ associations, current regular and reserve force units, and other associated organisations. In addition, members of the public are given the opportunity to honour a loved one lost in service by laying a wreath, a bunch of flowers or even a single flower,” says Col Acutt.
The Battle of Delville Wood, fought in July 1916, is remembered as a symbol of South African sacrifice and courage, and occupies an eminent place in the country’s military history. In July 1916, the 1st South African Infantry Brigade carried out one of the highest feat of arms of the Great War. It was the scene of intense fighting between South African and German forces during the Battle of the Somme. Out of 3 164 men who entered the wood, only a small fraction survived. The battle is remembered as one of the costliest actions for the South African Brigade on the Western Front.
Following the war, Delville Wood was purchased by politician and author of Jock of the Bushveld Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and presented to South Africa in perpetuity. There is a memorial on site funded by public subscription. Oak trees grown from acorns from Stellenbosch brought to South Africa by French Huguenots, line the approach to the memorial, museum, and cemetery dedicated to the memory of those who fought and died there.
In July 2016 the President of South Africa in conjunction with the French Presidency inaugurated the extended Delville Wood Museum and Monument at Langueval, France. The names of many South African who fell in the battle have now been included into the monument to make it more inclusive – adding names of Zulu and Xhosa soldiers who are buried at Arques La Battaile, France.
• After the formalities, guests are invited to enjoy refreshments kindly provided by eThekwini Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba in the Durban City Hall.
Good to Know.
Annual Civic Memorial and Delville Wood Commemoration
Durban Cenotaph, Dorothy Nyembe (formerly Gardner) Street, alongside the City Hall, on Sunday, 17 August starting at 10:30.
Should you wish to lay a wreath to honour family members lost in war, kindly advise the organisers by email on admin@salegion.durban.com or by telephoning 031 205 0578 before Thursday 13 August.
Remembering The Battle of Delville Wood
