The battle of square hill

During the First World War, two battalions of the Cape Corps (consisting of Coloured men) were mobilised to counter the German force in German East Africa, today known as Tanzania. Their contribution to the ultimate success of this campaign was immeasurable. At the conclusion of the East African campaign, the Cape Corps was moved to North Africa with the rest of the South African forces. With Turkey deciding to side with Germany, a need arose to send allied troops to what was known as Palestine, where Turkey was to dominate this strategically important area.

On arrival at Dhib Hill and Square Hill, the battalion was to be responsible for protecting the right flank of the Brigade against counter-attack.

Immediately following the capture of Wye Hill by the 1/17th Indian Infantry, the Cape Corps went on, B Company leading, towards Hill 2260 and Chevron Hill. The Cape Corps attacked and seized their objectives, the action going on from 18h45 on 18th September 1918 with the capture of Square Hill at about 04h00 on 19 September, and the signal was given at 04h30 by a tremendous thunder of guns right along the front to the sea.

The Cape Corps acquitted themselves admirably, showing that the men were more than a match for their Turkish adversaries. The battalion played a prominent part in the subsequent attack but had to go forward to take Kh Jebeit, a hill some 700m north of Square Hill, without artillery support, while the Turks had been heavily reinforced and fighting was fierce. The Cape Corps suffered numerous casualties: A and B Companies had one officer between them, and two other companies had no officers at all. The subsequent retirement was conducted mainly by NCOs. The retirement was praised by senior officers watching the withdrawal.

By 22h00 the whole battalion was reduced to 10 officers and 350 other ranks, concentrated at Square Hill. Cape Corps casualties were 51 killed, 101 wounded and one captured. In the history of the unit, while 19^th September is celebrated as the glorious battle of Square Hill, it is 20th September that is remembered as the day on which the men of the Cape Corps made their sacrifice in the great war of 1914-1918. Kh Jebeit was eventually taken by the 17th Indian Infantry.

The Cape Corps returned to Cape Town with 16 Distinguished Conduct Medals, eight Military Medals, two Order of the Crown of Italy(bronze), two Decorations Militaire (Belgium) and one Medaille Militaire (France). The contribution of soldiers of colour was enormous and the price they paid was equally high. Of the 12,452 South African servicemen who died in the First World War, 3,901 were either Black, Indian or Coloured.