15 July 1916 - WWI: The Battle of Delville Wood

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.