The museum at Delville Wood was constructed following the laying of the first foundation stone on 7th June 1984. Just under two years later, on 11th November 1986 it was unveiled at a ceremony by the State President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr P W Botha. The museum is built around the centrepiece of the Cross of Consecration. The Cross is located in a courtyard which can be seen through magnificent floor-to-ceiling glass windows etched with battle honours and symbolic images. The museum is dedicated to the memory of the 25,000 South Africans, men and women of all creeds and races, who volunteered to serve their country in times of war during the First and Second World Wars and in Korea.