Somme 2023 - Delville Wood Victoria Crosses

 In July 1916 the 1st South African Brigade, part of the 9th (Scottish) Division,  secured the southern edge of Delville Wood, adjacent to the village of Longueval.

For six days the South Africans held onto the ground despite the efforts of the Germans to dislodge them.  Exhausted, with heavy casualties from intense  German artillery bombardment and counter attacks, they were relieved by troops of the 3rd Division on 20th July.

As part of that relief action, the 76th Brigade of the 3rd Division was pushed forward, the Royal Welch Fusiliers attacking to reach the beleaguered South Africans.

During the action two members of the Royal Welch Fusiliers would be awarded the Victoria Cross. A small marker in Delville Wood indicates the area in which the VC's were won. 

Delville Wood area in Royal Welch Fusiliers VCs won

Delville Wood VCs marker

The Victoria Crosses were awarded to Corporal John Davies and Private Albert Hill of the 10th (Service) Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. Both soldiers survived the war. 

Their VC citations were published in the London Gazette 26th September 1916.

No. 34314 Cpl. Joseph Davies, R. Welsh Fus.

For most conspicuous bravery. Prior to an attack on the enemy in a wood he became separated with eight men from the rest of his company. When the enemy delivered their second counter attack his party was completely surrounded, but he got them into a shell hole, and, by throwing bombs and opening rapid fire, succeeded in routing them. Not content with this he followed them up in their retreat and bayonetted several of them.

Corporal Davies set a magnificent example of pluck and determination. He has done other very gallant work, and was badly wounded in the second battle of Ypres.”

Private A Hill
Royal Welch Fusiliers

“No. 15280 Pte. Albert Hill, R. Welsh Fus.

For most conspicuous bravery. When his battalion had deployed under very heavy fire for an attack on the enemy in a wood, he dashed forward, when the order to charge was given, and, meeting two of the enemy suddenly, bayonetted them both. He was sent later by his platoon Serjeant to get into touch with the company, and, finding himself cut off and almost surrounded by some twenty of the enemy, attacked them with bombs, killing and wounding many and scattering the remainder.

He then joined a serjeant of his company and helped him to fight the way back to the lines.

When he got back, hearing that his Company Officer and a scout were lying out wounded, he went out and assisted to bring in the wounded officer, two other men bringing in the scout.

Finally, he himself captured and brought in as prisoners two of the enemy. His conduct throughout was magnificent.”