SANDF to Commemorate Fallen Heroes
South Africa will commemorate the Battle of Delville Wood in France this weekend, in remembrance of her soldiers who died there during the two world wars.
Two defence senior officials Major General Dan Mofokeng and Chief of Reserves Major General Roy Anderson will leave the country tomorrow, to attend the annual Delville Wood Remembrance Day on 19 July.
According to the defence force, a large number of black and white soldiers died there on 16 July 1916 when they were ordered to hold Delville Wood to protect it.
The Brigade consisting of 3 200 men, entered the wood, which was surrounded by the enemy on three sides.
After suffering utter devastation for six days, they were withdrawn from the wood having spent all of their ammunition in trying to hold it and a mere 750 of them survived.
The officials will then attend a wreath laying ceremony at the cemeteries of Longueval, Delville Wood and Arques la Bataille on 20 July.
Despite the distance, Delville became the South African National War Memorial site and an altar stone was unveiled on 5 June 1952 to commemorate those soldiers.
The museum, whose responsibility lies with the Department of Defence, was opened on 11 November 1986.
"In this tenth year of our democracy and freedom, it is fitting that we remember and acknowledge the contribution and sacrifice made by thousands of black and white South Africans in the cause of world freedom many years ago," said General Mofokeng.
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15 Juillet 2004 à 17:04 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
