Battles & Campaigns · 1916
Battle of Delville Wood
Delville Wood, Longueval, Somme, France
What happened
During the Battle of the Somme, British troops wanted the village of Longueval and the wood beside it. South African soldiers captured Delville Wood on 15 July and held it until 19 July against almost constant counterattacks. Fighting in rain and mud went on for about seven weeks before the Allies secured the wood.
Why it matters
The wood sat on a ridge where German guns could fire on British troops from three sides. Taking it helped the British prepare later attacks.
What came next
The Battle of Flers–Courcelette began on 15 September. Today the wood is a memorial with preserved trenches, a museum and the South African National Memorial.
Did you know?
The South African government later replanted the wood with oak and birch trees.
Timeline
- 1 Jul 1916Battle of the Somme begins.
- 15 Jul 1916South African troops capture Delville Wood.
- 19 Jul 1916The South Africans are relieved.
- 3 Sep 1916The battle ends.
- 15 Sep 1916Battle of Flers–Courcelette begins.