DELVILLE WOOD - LONGUEVAL
As with numerous villages in the Somme, Longueval was transformed into a German fortification bristling with machine gun posts. On July 14 1916 the 29th and 27th brigades of the 9th Scottish Division attacked the village. After heavy fighting and massive casualties, they captured the southern part of the village only to be pushed back again after entering Delville Wood.The 1st South African Infantry Regiment was ordered to help "clean up" the village and the three others ( 2nd, 3rd and 4th regiments) were ordered to capture Delville Wood on July 15 1916.
During the 6 day battle, the South Africans were completely isolated and at times surrounded. They suffered near constant artillery fire and valiantly resisted against several counter attacks led by German elite forces. Of the 121 Officers and 3,032 soldiers who were able to enter the wood, only 29 Officers and 751 soldiers answered roll call when they were relieved on July 20. Consequently the South African infantry saved the southern British line.
The battle continued on for more than a month and involved more than 7 British divisions. Delville Wood was finally captured at the end of August and formed part of the front line until September 15 1916.
4 Victoria's Crosses, the British Army's highest military honour, were given after the battle.