2nd South African Infantry Regiment

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.

Dress Insignia

2 SA Infantry Regiment Insignia