SS MENDI MEMORIAL TOUR
Kevin Ashton, retired businessman and chairman of the Gunners Association of South Africa
Monday Saturday 31 January 10.00 -12pm
This is a free event , but booking is essential via Webtickets:
The SS Mendi was a steam troop ship that sank in the English Channel in the early hours of 21 February 1917. She was carrying members of the South African Native Labour Corps from Cape Town to Europe to support the war effort duringthe First World War. On board were hundreds of South African men - predominantly black privates alongwith officers and crew. The disaster claimed the lives of around 616 South Africans and dozens of crew members. The site where the troops spent their last night - the old Rosebank - showgrounds is now part of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Lower Campus. We invite you to look at this memorial with Kevin Ashton.