SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION
OF MILITARY VETERANS
Registered Non Profit Organisation No 000 623 NPO
Registered Public Benefit Organisation PBO 930007996
A constituent Member of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service
League
A Member of the Council of Military Veterans’ Organisations of the
RSA
Value Added Tax Registration No. 4960114777
Founded 1921 in Cape Town
PATRON IN CHIEF – THE PRESIDENT
P.O. Box 1936
Houghton
2041
RSA
Tel (011) 486 4533
Fax (011) 4862855 / 086 212 8383
E-mail: nationalsecretary@salegion.org
Web site: www.salegion.org
PROPOSAL: DEVILLE WOOD / IEPER - VETERANS CENTENARY TOUR 2016
Introduction
July 2016 is the centenary of the Battle of Delville Wood, one of the most important battles
of the First World War as far as South Africans are concerned. The South Africa Legion,
Legion, is planning a tour – we invite 100 veterans to join us after a very successful tour in
2011.
3153 men entered the wood on the morning of the 15 th July 1916 and six days later only 142
men walked out. The order was to hold the wood at all costs and that is what they did at
tremendous loss of life which is unimaginative today.
After the Battle of Deville Wood, the 1st South African Brigade went on to equal severe
losses on three more separate occasions in the next 2½ years with total losses close to 50%.
We will attend the annual Delville Wood memorial service, the Arques La Bataille memorial
service near Dieppe (where another 118 South Africans are buried) and then on to the
wreath laying services at Menin Gate in Ieper, Belgium all in memory of the 1 st SA Brigade.
The aim is to have 100 veterans and their families attend – whether they are part of the tour
or link up with us there. The tour will include return air flights from South Africa, 45 seater
luxury coach transportation, guides, useful guidebook, good hotel accommodation with
breakfast and tour
memorabilia.
Join us to remember
and pay our respects to the
South African “who
gave their lives for our
today.”
PROPOSED TRIP (Broad outline TOUR JULY 2016)
GROUP 1.
Day 1
Day 2
am.
pm.
(Tues.4th July) Fly J’Burg to Heathrow.
(Wed. 5th July)
Arrive Heathrow, meet transport and guide to London. Visit to Imperial War
Museum.
Possible reception in evening (may be organised by Embassy??)
Overnight accommodation London.
Day 3 (Thurs 6th July)
08.00hrs
Breakfast
09.00hrs
Travel to Folkestone for journey to France via Channel Tunnel
11.30hrs
Tunnel
13.30hrs
Arrive France and journey to Delville Wood for rehearsal for ceremony
16.00hrs
Rehearsal.
19.00hrs
Hotel and check in.
Day4
07.00hrs
08.30hrs
15.30hrs
19.00hrs
(Fri. 7th July)
Breakfast
Depart for Arques la Battaille Ceremony.Luncheon at Arques.
Depart Arques and return to Albert free time.
Evening meal at Le Tommy in Pozieres
Day5
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
21.00hrs
(Sat. 8th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Lochnagar Memorial Crater, Pozieres Memorial and village,
Tank Memorial, and Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and visitors centre. Ulster
Tower and Beaumont Hamel
To Vimy Ridge Canadian Memorial and trench systems followed by Braai and walking
tour of Delville Wood.
Hotel.
Day 6
07.00hrs
(Sun 9th July)
Breakfast
13.00hrs
08.00hrs
14.00hrs
18.30hrs
Day7
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
20.00hrs
Day 8
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
18.30hrs
Coach departs for Delville Wood Parade and Ceremony.
Depart Delville Wood for Butte de Warlincourt and visit to grave of Nugent
Fitzpatrick, then journey to Belgium and town of Ypres.
Arrive Ypres and check in.
(Mon.10th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to the Ypres Salient visiting Messines Ridge, Irish Peace Park
and Tower, the German trench systems at Bayernwald, Hill 60, Tyne Cot Cemetery,
Yorkshire Trench, Essex Farm.
Free time in Ypres.
Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.
(Tues 11th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Hooge Crater Museum, followed by Yorkshire Trench,
Brandhoek and grave of Noel Chavasse VC and Bar, Diksmuide and Trench of Death,
and Ijzer Tower
Hotel
19.00hrs
(Wed.12th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Flanders Field Museum, The Dugout Experience at
Zonnebeke followed by free time in Ypres town.
Farewell Dinner.
Day 10
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
Thurs 13th July
Breakfast
Coach departs for Calais and journey back to London for check in.
Day 9
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
GROUP 2.
18.00hrs
(Tues.4th July) Fly J’Burg to Paris Charles de Gaule.
(Wed. 5th July)
Arrive Charles de Gaulle Airport meet guide and transport journey to Albert, visit to
Underground Museum, followed by visit to Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and
Visitors Centre.
Check in to Hotel Arras.
Day 3
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
13.30hrs
16.00hrs
19.00hrs
(Thurs 6th July)
Breakfast
Travel to Vimy Ridge trench systems and Tunnels
Journey to Delville Wood for rehearsal for ceremony
Rehearsal.
Hotel and check in.
Day4
07.00hrs
08.30hrs
(Fri. 7th July)
Breakfast
Depart for Arques la Battaille Ceremony.
Luncheon at Arques.
Depart Arques and return to Arras free time.
Day 1
Day 2
am.
15.30hrs
Day5
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
21.00hrs
Day 6
07.00hrs
08.00hrs
14.00hrs
18.30hrs
Day7
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
20.00hrs
Day 8
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
18.30hrs
(Sat. 8th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Lochnagar Memorial Crater, Pozieres Memorial and village,
Tank Memorial, Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park, and Ulster Tower,
followed by Braai and walking tour of Delville Wood.
Hotel.
(Sun 9th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for Delville Wood Parade and Ceremony.
Depart Delville Wood for Butte de Warlincourt and visit to grave of Nugent
Fitzpatrick, then journey to Belgium and town of Ypres.
Arrive Ypres and check in.
(Mon.10th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to the Ypres Salient visiting Messines Ridge, Irish Peace Park
and Tower, the German trench systems at Bayernwald, Hill 60, Tyne Cot Cemetery,
Yorkshire Trench, Essex Farm.
Free time in Ypres.
Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.
(Tues 11th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Hooge Crater Museum, followed by Yorkshire Trench,
Brandhoek and grave of Noel Chavasse VC and Bar, Diksmuide and Trench of Death,
and Ijzer Tower
Hotel
19.00hrs
(Wed.12th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Flanders Field Museum, The Dugout Experience at
Zonnebeke followed by free time in Ypres town.
Farewell Dinner.
Day 10
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
(Thurs 13th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for Paris for check in at Charles de Gaulle.
Day 9
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
GROUP 3.
Day 1
(Wed. 5th July) Fly J’Burg to Paris Charles de Gaule.
Day 2
am.
16.00hrs
18.00hrs
(Thurs 6th July)
Arrive Charles de Gaulle Airport meet guide and transport journey to Delville Wood
for rehearsal for ceremony
Rehearsal.
Check in to Hotel Arras.
Day 3
(Fri. 7th July)
07.00hrs
08.30hrs
15.30hrs
Day 4
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
19.00hrs
21.00hrs
Day 5
07.00hrs
08.00hrs
14.00hrs
19.30hrs
Day 6
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
20.00hrs
Day 7
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
18.30hrs
Day 8
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
19.00hrs
Day 9
08.00hrs
09.00hrs
Breakfast
Depart for Arques la Battaille Ceremony.
Luncheon at Arques.
Depart Arques and return to Arras free time.
(Sat. 8th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Lochnagar Memorial Crater, Pozieres Memorial and village,
Tank Memorial, Thiepval Memorial to the MissingBeaumont Hamel, Newfoundland
Memorial Park, and Ulster Tower, followed by Braai and walking tour of Delville
Wood.
Hotel and check in.
Hotel.
(Sun 9th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for Delville Wood Parade and Ceremony.
Depart Delville Wood for Butte de Warlincourt and visit to grave of Nugent
Fitzpatrick to Belgium and town of Ypres.
Arrive Ypres and check in.
(Mon.10th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to the Ypres Salient visiting Messines Ridge, Irish Peace Park
and Tower, the German trench systems at Bayernwald, Hill 60, Tyne Cot Cemetery,
Yorkshire Trench, Essex Farm.
Free time in Ypres.
Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.
(Tues 11th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Hooge Crater Museum, followed by Yorkshire Trench,
Brandhoek and grave of Noel Chavasse VC and Bar, Diksmuide and Trench of Death,
and Ijzer Tower
Hotel
(Wed.12th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for visit to Flanders Field Museum, The Dugout Experience at
Zonnebeke followed by free time in Ypres town.
Farewell Dinner.
(Thurs 13th July)
Breakfast
Coach departs for journey to Vimy Ridge trench systems and Tunnels and on to Paris
for check in at Charles de Gaulle.
Guests
We plan to invite a number of guests, who have shown an interest, to join the tour e.g.
previous Military Attaché from Belgium. Other South Africa veterans who now live overseas
as well as others who wish to make their own way will also join us there.
Costs
The cost is estimated to be in the region of R 30 000 for tour package (price will be
confirmed in early 2016), which will include the following:
 Economy Air tickets Johannesburg – Paris or London – Johannesburg (those wishing
to upgrade to Business class need to inform us early at an additional cost to them)
 All hotel accommodation and breakfast
 Luxury Coach for transport
 Fund for incidentals, memorabilia of the tour (tour shirts, caps etc)
Excludes the following;
 Lunch (some might be supplied on the coach while travelling) and Supper
 Entrance to museums
 Drinks and spending money
 Drivers gratuity etc
Other travel arrangements
Provision can be made for those wanting to fly earlier and return later but arrangements
must be made in good time. If sufficient numbers want to go elsewhere, let us know so that
we can try to arrange another extended tour.
Payment
A special “Trust” account will be set up by the SA Legion especially for this tour for safe
keeping. In order to establish the best deal for those interested we need to get numbers as
soon as possible. So the following will apply:
 A non-refundable deposit of R3,000 will be required to confirm a booking

A total of R9,000 needs to be paid by 30 June 2015

A total of R15,000 needs to be paid by 30 December 2015

The total amount of R30,000 needs to be paid by 30 March 2016.

Anyone wishing to pay up front may do so.

Interest on the monies in the “Trust” account will be credited to each person.

Should the price be more – each person will be informed well in advance and monies
will need to be paid before departure. Should the total cost be less the balance will
be paid to the person before departure (including any interest received in the “trust”
account)

Those who are interested in saving over the period on a monthly basis may do so
and the interest will be credited to their accounts as well. This will be discussed with
the bank and noted to those involved.
.
2016
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Feb
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Jan
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Dec
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Nov
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Oct
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Sep
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Aug
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Jul
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Jun
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
May
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Apr
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 2 250
Mar
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 2 077
R 3 000
Feb
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 1 929
R 3 000
Jan
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 1 800
R 3 000
Dec
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 1 688
R 3 000
Nov
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 1 588
R 3 000
Oct
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 1 500
R 3 000
Sep
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 1 421
R 3 000
Aug
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 1 350
R 3 000
Jul
R 1 227
R 1 286
R 3 000
Jun
R 1 227
R 3 000
May
R 3 000
2014
.
2015
.
Mar
Contact
Marietta Venter at the SA Legion 011 486 4533 (nationalsecretary@alegion.org)
Or
Kevin Bolton on 011 791 0205 or 082 564 3639 (Kevin.Bolton@NavWorld.co.za)
“Not for ourselves, but for others”.
Veteran greetings,
Lgr Godfrey Giles
National President
South African Legion of Military Veterans
Mobile: 083 600 0062
Fax: 086 684 8592
Email: nationalpresident@salegion.org