The Battle of Delville Wood, part of the Somme Offensive (World War I), was the bloodiest battle ever fought by South African troops. At dawn on the 15th July 1916 the South African brigade, around 3,433 men attached to the 9th Scottish Division, entered the wood and managed to clear the southern edge of German forces. The battle continued until the night of the 19th, when the South Africans were relieved. Only three officers and 140 men survived.
15 July 1916 - WWI: The Battle of Delville Wood
By Alistair Boddy-Evans, About.com GuideJuly 15, 2008
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A handful over 700 South African soliders came out of the battle of Delville Wood alive, approximatly 604 of these wounded
I have a handwritten poem written by “Billy” 1st. South Africans, that was given to my Mother in 1917. It is entitled “Delville Wood” and tels about the battle. I found it in her autograph book on three sheets of paper. Anyone interested?