Delville Wood South African National Memorial

Delville Wood South African National Memorial is a monument in Longueval dedicated to South African soldiers who fought in European conflicts. The stone structure stands among oak trees, with an attached museum that documents the nation's military involvement across different periods.

The South African Infantry Brigade fought at this location during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916 and suffered heavy casualties in the woodland. The memorial was established years later to honor those who fell at this spot.

The site displays sculptures and paintings created by South African artists that represent the nation's military past. These artistic expressions remain visible to visitors walking through the grounds today.

The site is open to visitors on most days, though opening hours change with the seasons. Plan your visit during warmer months when weather is more stable and all areas of the grounds are fully accessible.

The grounds are planted with oak trees grown from acorns that were brought from South Africa. These living trees create a botanical link between the two nations that visitors can see throughout the space.

Location: Longueval

Inception: 1926

Architects: Herbert Baker, Arthur Hutton

Creator: Herbert Baker, Alfred Turner

Part of: Funerary and memory sites of the First World War (Western Front)

GPS coordinates: 50.02448,2.81268

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40