Military - Army - Navy - Air Force
in South and Southern Africa

Who knows the history of the SAS Mendi

The Loss of the Troopship Mendi

I didn't, I must admit I just thought it was named the Mendi for some or other reason and did not put any other thought into it, until I read The Loss of the Troopship Mendi article on Derek's site, which gave me a touch of gooseflesh, a touch of pride, because I am from the Eastern Cape, and a bigger feeling of anger against the 'powers that be' in those days, who swept it all under the carpet.  I also wonder if the master of the other ship ever felt real gut wrenching remorse at what  grief his actions at sea caused to the families left behind.  Read the article....... its a must read for anyone interested in military ships and their history.......Lots more on Derek's   All At Sea   site.

The Death Dance

"Be quiet and calm, my countrymen, for what is taking place is exactly what you came to do. You are going to die... but that is what you came to do. Brothers, we drilling the death drill. I, a Xhosa, say you are my brothers. Swazi's, Pondo's, Basuto's, we die like brothers. We are the sons of Africa. Raise your war cries, brothers, for though they made us leave our assegaais in the kraal, our voices are left with our bodies. "

Reverend Isaac Dyobha
21st February 1916

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