2nd SA Infantry Regiment

1st SA Infantry Regiment

2nd SA Infantry Regiment
Active 1914-1918
Allegiance
Branch
Size Battalion
Part of
Battle honours

    2nd SA Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the South African Army, during World War One.

    History

    Origin

    The infantry regiments were raised with men from the four provinces of the Union: the 2nd Regiment troops were from Natal and Orange Free State. Many volunteers were from the Kaffrarian Rifles. Most of the recruits already had military training or experience. They were, in general, middle class, well-educated and well-bred men.

    The regiment was led by serving officers of the Union Defence Force, while the whole of 1st South African Brigade part of the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force coming under the command of Brigadier-General Henry Lukin DSO, a previous Inspector General of the UDF. The Brigade was attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division.

    Engagements

    The Regiment was deployed to France where it capture the village of Longueval and was deployed in the adjacent Delville Wood on the 15th July 1916. The regiment then served with the Brigade at Arras during April 1917 and was part of the offensive at Ypres and Passchendale in September 1917, at Marrieres Wood in March 1918, at Messines in April 1918 and finally at Le Cateau in October 1918.

    Victoria Cross

    Lance Corporal W. Hewitt of 2nd SA Infantry won his VC during the third battle of Ypres.

    Leadership

    The 2nd South African Infantry Regiment commanded by Lt Col W.E.C. Tanner.

    Regimental emblems

    Dress Insignia

    2 SA Infantry Regiment Insignia

    References

    http://www.1914-1918.net/south_africa.html The South African Forces in France, Imperial War Museum, ISBN 0901627895

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