Page 19 - SAFFER 05

Rifleman William Snow

South African Infantry Brigade was originally tasked with the
operation as its first engagement of the war. The South African
Brigade held the position despite many counter offensives and
massive casualties on both sides until the British Forces relieved
them. The to-ing and fro-ing would continue right until the
beginning of September and the next offensive of the Battle of
Guillemont.

On 31st July 1916, the 11th Battalion took part in a counter
offensive at Delville Wood following a push by German forces.
The once great forest of Beech and Hornbeam was now nothing
but splinters, mud and craters following the relentless shelling.
During the attack, William sustained serious injuries and died
the following day. The 11th went on to being a major unit in
the next offensive at Guillemont.

William was buried not far from the Battlefield at La Neuville
Cemetery, Corbie shortly after. There is a South African So, that in a nutshell is the remaining record of great uncle
Cemetery and National Memorial at Delville Wood and William. I have spent many hours trying to put together his life
although the forest is now thriving once more, the trenches and and Military career and, understandably, there are still an awful
craters can still be clearly seen by walkers. lot of blanks to be filled in. I would like to build a stronger
picture of him before the book is finally published.
Pandemic dependant, Jane and I are planning on a battlefield
tour later this year to visit William’s grave and Delville Wood Knowing the history has been so important to me in order to
itself. It will be an honour to not only pay tribute to the man be able to give William the respect he deserves rather than just
who has inspired me so much but also to honour the many making up a random story that may prove to be disrespectful
South Africans who gave their life there. It would be interesting and unfair. Although, my story is fictitious, I’ve pieced together
to hear from anyone who may have had relatives at Delville as much as I could about the man himself.
Wood and maybe even take a tribute from SAFFER to lay at the
memorial. We do know William was injured fairly seriously in 1915 at
Fromelles, but regardless, rejoined his unit shortly after. This
Typical Smethwick has lead me to believe William was courageous and never
Street 1894 one to give up. It would be easy to imagine that he was a
respected member of his unit and maybe even one that could
be looked up to. Hence me portraying him as such in the
book. Everything about him has told me William was a brave,
honourable man with a strong personality and a big heart.
Hopefully, by the time the book is finished people will have
a realistic idea of what kind of man William was, although
written in fiction.

Next month, we take a look at the book itself where we discover
William’s character. We will also take a look at the station and
the rest of the gang that make up the story of ‘The Spirit of
Christmas 1940’.

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