The Battle of Delville Wood, Longueval – France

The World War 1 battle fields of the Somme are located in the Picardy region of France.  The Battle of Delville Wood was fought between July and September 1916.  The British needed the wood cleared of Germans before any attack could be launched on the notorious German Switch Line.  This job went to a South African brigade attached to the 9th Scottish Division.  Delville Wood was the most costly action the South African brigade fought on the Western Front.  Mud and rain covered the thousands of dead, the wood was obliterated and bodies remain in the wood to this day.

South African Delville Wood Memorial and Cemetery

The Official History of the Great War 1914-1918 records the courage of the South Africans holding the wood:

“The South Africans had covered themselves with glory at Delville Wood, which is now laid out as a memorial to their dead. In spite of terrible losses, they had steadfastly endured the ordeal of the German bombardment, which seldom slackened and never ceased, and had faced with great courage and resolution repeated counter-attacks delivered by fresh [German] troops. Since their first advance into the wood on the morning of 15th July they had defied all attempts to drive them completely from it.”

South African Memorial at Delville Wood, Longueval, France.

The poem: DELVILLE WOOD

By ruined homes in Montauban, by trench and sunken road.

All resolute and strong the living stream of khaki flowed.

Through land laid waste and seared and torn by ruthless giant guns

And so that stream South Africa had lent her sturdy sons.

Of Boer and British stock were they, and lean and lithe and tanned.

Yet mingling there as brothers fighting for one Motherland ;

For kith and kindred o’er the sea, for King and Country now

Their hands they joined in fellowship, and took the filial vow.

And thus they entered Bernafay through fire and fitid fume,

While every tree atrembling stood, as if it sensed its doom ;

And in that avenue of woe they paused to count their dead.

Then grimly on on Delville, where their path of glory led.

Within that wood of epic fame for days and nights they fought.

And backward thrust the stubborn foe, through every step was bought

With tragic toll of vivid youth, that had but life to give.

And gladly gave that precious gift, that you and I might live.

From hour to hour the battle raged and fearful tumult reigned.

And still they fought as men inspired and still their ground maintained ;

And as their stricken comrades fell, the shattered boughs dropped down

In pity on their mangled forms – and made their laurel crown.

So year by year we think of them and humble homage pay

To thocs who trad with courage high that Gethsemane.

Now Delville is South Africa blooddrenched with manhood’s bloom.

Our heritage from heroes brave, our temple and our tomb.

by W.A. BEATTIE

The poet fought as a Lance Corporal in this battle and was wounded.