South Africa’s military veterans and serving members of the South African Defence Force have paid tribute to fallen members of the South African Native Labour Corps who perished in the ship SS Mendi overseas more than 100 years ago.
The dead – 607 black troops, nine white officers and some 30 crew – were never recovered when their ship was struck by the SS Darro in the English Channel on 21 February 1917.
The soldiers were on their way to France to assist the British during the First World War when their ship was sunk by the SS Darro.
Paying homage to the men in Pretoria on Sunday, Marina Valentine of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats said this was an important occasion – not only to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on the Mendi – but also to all South African soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice over the years while serving their country.
During the annual memorial service, Valentine said this was a time to think of those soldiers who fought so bravely and paid the ultimate price in conflicts on the continent as well.
She cited the soldiers who died in the Battle of Bangui in the Central African Republic, during peacekeeping operations in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as within the borders of South Africa.
Valentine also noted the example of humility and compassion that was set by the Reverend Isaac Dyobha who was on board the ill-fated ship SS Mendi.
Dyobha reportedly calmed the panicked men with words that had become one of the best-known accounts of the sinking of the troopship.
“Be quiet and calm my country men. What is happening now is exactly what you came to do. You are going to die… but that is what you came to do,” he said.
NM/jn/APA