“Pyramids and Poppies” updates and expands Buchan’s work with a wealth of new material which includes many hitherto unknown photographs and drawings. These are enhanced with previously unpublished personal accounts by the men of the South African Brigade, which the author has been fortunate enough to access. They bring the reader face to face with the frontline and battlefield realities. The exploits of the Brigade went far beyond the normal expectations from a single Brigade on the Western Front.

The huge casualties suffered at Delville Wood were a first. It brought home the real tragedy of the First World War experience to the people of South Africa and made Delville Wood the most famous battle fought by South Africans. Because of this, history has tended to overlook other places and events that were, for the South African Brigade, of far greater significance in terms of achievement and sacrifice. In the broad sweep of the conflict, Delville Wood must take its place as a modest part of the courage of the Springboks, who fought from Libya to France and Belgium. The actions at Halazin and Agagia are covered, as is Delville Wood, and so too are Butte de Warlencourt, Arras, Fampoux, Third Ypes, the crowning achievement at Marrieres Wood, Messines, Meteren, Beaurevoir, The Crossing of the River Selle and Hestrud.

Through the deserts of North Africa and stinking mud of Flanders bursts the bravery and compassion of men who offered themselves in innocence as volunteers and learned the cruel indifference of war waged, by armchair generals.