The South African 1st Infantry Brigade also appeared on the Western Front for the first time during the Somme Offensive. They helped to secure the British right flank when they took and held 'Delville'. What was Delville?

In February 1916, the Germans began their attack on Verdun and the French troops intended for the Somme Offensive were sent to defend the town. Consequently, the British forces, intended for a supporting role, became the core of the attack.  What was to follow was one of the bloodiest engagements of World War 1.