South Africa will on Sunday commemorate one of the most defining chapters in its military history when President Cyril Ramaphosa leads the country's delegation at the 110th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood in Longueval, northern France.
The annual commemoration honours the courage and sacrifice of South African soldiers who fought during the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916, one of the most significant battles involving South African forces during the First World War.
President Ramaphosa is expected to attend the commemorative ceremony at the South African National Memorial, where wreaths will be laid in remembrance of those who lost their lives in service of their country. The programme will also include the unveiling of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) commemorative plaque recognising the historical significance of the memorial and its contribution to preserving shared global heritage.
The Battle of Delville Wood, fought between 15 and 20 July 1916, during the Somme Offensive, is remembered for the extraordinary courage displayed by the 1st South African Infantry Brigade. Despite suffering devastating casualties under relentless enemy attack, the brigade held its position in what has become one of South Africa's most enduring symbols of bravery, resilience and sacrifice.
The Delville Wood Memorial stands as the country's national memorial dedicated to all South Africans who served in all theatres of war. It remains the only memorial dedicated to the participation of South African forces on the Western Front during the First World War and serves as a place of remembrance for all South Africans who lost their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.
More than 229 000 officers and men served with the South African Forces during the First World War, with approximately 10 000 losing their lives in action or dying of wounds sustained during the conflict. Their names are recorded in a Book of Remembrance housed at the Delville Wood Museum, adjacent to the memorial.
The original memorial was unveiled in 1926, while the museum was officially opened in November 1986 to preserve the history and legacy of South Africa's involvement in the First World War. Beyond the museum lies Delville Wood itself, now fully regenerated, while across the road is Delville Wood Cemetery, established after the Armistice by concentrating graves recovered from surrounding battlefields.
According to the Presidency, President Ramaphosa's participation demonstrates South Africa's continued commitment to honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the country.
Beyond remembering the fallen, the commemoration also reflects on the values of courage, duty, sacrifice and remembrance while reinforcing South Africa's commitment to peace, reconciliation and international cooperation.
The event also serves to strengthen the longstanding friendship between South Africa and France through shared remembrance of a defining chapter in history. By acknowledging the devastating human cost of war, the commemoration reaffirms a collective commitment to preventing future conflicts.
The 110th anniversary also presents an opportunity to educate younger generations about South Africa's military heritage, ensuring that the legacy of those who served continues to inspire future generations.
President Ramaphosa's participation in the commemorative event forms part of his Official Visit to France, during which he will also hold bilateral engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and participate in high-level discussions at UNESCO on advancing global education. – SAnews.gov.za
