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| 2nd South African Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
Regimental collar badge | |
| Active | 1915–1919 |
| Country | |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch | Army |
| Size | Battalion |
| Part of | 1st South African Infantry Brigade |
| Engagements | World War I |
| Insignia | |
| Cap badge of the 1st SA Infantry Brigade | |
2nd South African Infantry Regiment (2 SAI) was aninfantryregiment of theSouth African Overseas Expeditionary Force during theFirst World War.
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 theKaffrarian 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 theSouth African Overseas Expeditionary Force coming under the command ofBrigadier-General Henry Lukin DSO, a previous inspector general of the UDF. The brigade was attached to the9th (Scottish) Division.
The regiment was deployed to France, where it captured the village ofLongueval and was deployed in the adjacentDelville Wood on 15 July 1916. The regiment then served with the brigade atArras during April 1917 and was part of the offensive atYpres andPasschendale in September 1917, atMarrieres Wood in March 1918, atMessines in April 1918 and finally atLe Cateau in October 1918.
Lance Corporal W. Hewitt of 2nd SA Infantry won his VC during the third battle ofYpres.
The 2nd South African Infantry Regiment commanded by Lt Col W.E.C. Tanner.
| From | Commanding Officers | To |
| nd | Lt Col W.E.C. Tanner | nd |
| From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
