This monument was built in the middle of Delville Wood to pay tribute to the South African soldiers who experienced their baptism of fire here. It represents the national symbol of courage and sacrifice.
On July 15th, 1916, the brigade made of 121 officers and 3 032 enlisted men, was given the mission to take and hold the wood « at all costs ».
For five nights and six days, the South Africans fought against different units of the German 4th Army Corps.
Outnumbered and attacked on three sides, practically decimated, they managed after hard fighting, to keep part of the wood.
Only 142 men emerged from what remained of the wood. When the brigade gathered, only 780 able-bodied men remained.
The Memorial was inaugurated on October, 10th 1926. A wide avenue lined with a double row of oak trees leads to the large arch.
Schedules :
From February 1st to November 30th 2024
Closure days : May 1st, November 11th, December 24th, December 25th, December 31th