Delville wood Anniversary

[iaindh]

As it was just the anniversary of Delville wood, during the Somme offensive in July and August 1916, when the South African Brigade suffered 2300 casualties out of 3153 officers and men. I thought I would share a couple of photos with you all

Mad Jocks in WWI.jpg

Here South Africans from the 4th Regiment 'South African Scottish' perform a traditional 'African Tribal War Dance' with drawn bayonets and dancing in their distinctive 'Murray of Atholl' tartan kilts.
Heaven help the Germans!

Nancy.jpg

Nancy, the famous springbok mascot of the 4th South African Infantry Regiment with her keeper, the regimental bugler, Private A E Petersen.

Does anyone else have any photos etc they'd like to share?

Iain

[johnG]

Thanks for posting those pictures Iain. They reminded me of a very old man I knew in Bulawayo, years ago. He was a bit of an old crank but treated with respect by all, who would tell me in a hushed voice "He was at Delville Wood". After I read the account of it I too treated him with the greatest of respect.
JohnG

[iaindh]

Hi John,

when you do read about the heroic defence of Delville wood it does make you feel quite humble.

The South Africans held the wood from the 14th to the 20th against overwhelming odds until eventually being relieved.

Lt Colonel Thackeray marched out of the wood to the pipes of the Black Watch leading two officers (both of whom were wounded) and 140 other ranks, they being the entire remnant of the South African Brigade.

Iain

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Iain,
Have you ever been there, I am really amazed that it was possible for so many people to loose their lifes in such a small area.
Regards Frank

Originally Posted by iaindh

Hi John,

when you do read about the heroic defence of Delville wood it does make you feel quite humble.

The South Africans held the wood from the 14th to the 20th against overwhelming odds until eventually being relieved.

Lt Colonel Thackeray marched out of the wood to the pipes of the Black Watch leading two officers (both of whom were wounded) and 140 other ranks, they being the entire remnant of the South African Brigade.

Iain

[iaindh]

Hi Frank,

no, never been, I've seen maps but in my mind I pictured an average wood of maybe 1 to 2 acres.
Do I take you have been?

regards, Iain

Originally Posted by Frank Kelley

Hello Iain,
Have you ever been there, I am really amazed that it was possible for so many people to loose their lifes in such a small area.
Regards Frank

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Iain,
Yes, I have, quite a few years ago now though, so is this an area that you collect and if so do you have a favourite regt?
Regards Frank

Originally Posted by iaindh

Hi Frank,

no, never been, I've seen maps but in my mind I pictured an average wood of maybe 1 to 2 acres.
Do I take you have been?

regards, Iain