Collated by Peter Dickens

This is the only known image we have of the SS Mendi, the ship at the centre of South Africa’s worst military disaster and biggest single loss of South African life at war (a little more than at Delville Wood – and that’s quite staggering).

On 21 February 1917, during World War I, this chartered troopship – the SS Mendi – containing a full battalion of South African Native Labour Corps men and officers on it’s way to the western front was rammed in fog conditions in the English Channel. The SS Mendi sank in 20 minutes.

Emslie, S. Lieutenant 
Richardson, E.H. Lieutenant 
Turner, T.K. Regimental Sergeant Major 
Botes, A.D. Staff Sergeant 
Cockrell, A. Staff Sergeant 
Botha, C.H. Colour Sergeant 
Ford, T.A. Colour Sergeant 
Knaggs, R. Colour Sergeant 
MacTavish, R.A. Colour Sergeant 
Abraham, Andries 11164 
Abrahams, Fred 11163 
Aliveni, Jim 8911 
Bade, George 9707 
Badlana, Joel 10016 
Baleni, Langeni 11098 
Banana, Nkeni 9665 
Bangani, Mxonywa 9379 
Basilie, Isaac 9170 
Bay, James 9294 
Beko, Heny 9374 
Beta, Jack 9164 
Beyulea, Windvogel 11070 
Bhay, Jim 9260 
Bikleni, Dodoka 9377 
Bokleni, Henry 7587 
Booi, John 9690 
Bovi, Mkokeli 10017 
Bungane, Freddy 11169 
Butitje 9802 
Chesa, Elijah 11170
Collis, Vimba 9650 
Dabani, Jim 9241 
Dampi, Piet 9203
Danki, Thomas 9215 
Dano, William 9265 
Dealtaha, Annaniya 9754 
Dengese, Aldum 9567 
Dinoka, Geelbooi 9780 
Ditsepo, William 9436 
Dyushani, John 10018 
Eland, Piet 11138 
Etea, Piet 11188 
Fidyoli, John 11172 
Franci, Rueben 9956
Fule, Steven 9261 
Gabaza, William 564 
Gabutloeloe, Lucas 9708 
Geina, Manie 9689 
Gigima, John 8010 
Gilweni, Jim Tom 9915 
Gobizitwana, Willie 11206 
Gqweta, Henry 9928 
Gumede, John 11216
Msiya, Lemu Galimini 9647
Gumeni, Charlie 9685 
Gwabu, Jack 9321 
Gwatyuza, Jacob 9954 
Hasbane, Jan 9147 
Hendricks, James 9943 
Hendricks, Willem 11132 
Hlangweni, Mtati 11161 
Hlatshwayo, Fishi 11126 
Hlope, Zanempi 11120 
Holoane, Francis 11171
Homelane, Willie 9289 
Jackson, Abrams 9803 
Jacobo, Isaac 9695 
Jamangile, Jim 8892 
Jantole, Joseph 8900 
Johnson, Willie 8913
Jonas, Jim 9710 
Jonas, Saluseni 9244 
Jongilanga, Pansi 9390 
Jubile, Lawrence 11045 
Kabi, Simeon 10964
Kakana, Jan 9441 
Kakele, Mac 9154 
Kale, Karl 9818 
Kali, Hamilton 10021 
Kaloto, Simon 9418 
Kana, Mali 11176 
Karishi, Change 9146 
Kashane, Jan 9176 
Kataza, John 9686 
Kazamula, Moskein 9626 
Kazamula, Simon 10931 
Kazimula, Natal 9623 
Kepisa, Jack 10374 
Kepsize, Johnson 9848 
Ketsbai, Helon 9905 
Kgadile, Kleinbooi 9820 
Kgana, Johannes 3703 
Kgatjane, Lucas 11144 
Kgobosemang, Kleinbooi 9740 
Kgosi, Isaac 9211
Kgupa, Longone 9425 
Khaile, Robinson 11173 
Khoanamutsi, Mapipe 9429 
Kholopane, Dovey 10960
Ngcobo, Vincent Pansi 9319
Kladi, John 9578 
Kleinbooi, Jack 9263 
Koalane, Josaih Walter 10896 
Kokoto, Jonas 9398 
Kolong, Kimon 9822 
Koluba, Sam 9406 
Koopman, Jan 9293 
Kopane, Jan 11048 
Kopane, Snele 9666 
Kozamula, Captain 9447 
Kula, Hlongwana 11088 
Kumalo, Magwala 11112 
Kuse, John 9785 
Kutshwayo, James Henry 5969 
Kwikanye, Jack 9290 
Lebeko, Charlie 9415 
Leboche, Abram 11056 
Lefi, Ishmael 11141 
Legoabe, Stephen 9763 
Legwale, Stephen Lucas 3274
Lekau, Alfred 9188 
Lekau, John 1256 
Lekgoli, Soloman 9728 
Lekhoto, John 1791 
Lepero, Geelbooi 9829 
Ntshangase, Dick Mqitsha 9914
Lephethe, David Job 11196 
Lesele, Corporal 9654 
Lesetja, Jan 11063 
Leshage, William 10947
Lesiba, Daniel 10369 
Lesiba, Jan 10384 
Lesiba, Joseph 9186 
Lesiba, Simon 10371 
Lesibana, Jim 10364 
Lesitja, Charlie 10373 
Lesitja, Martinus 9908 
Lesoale, Johannes 11192 
Letau, Karel 9286
Letebele, Namatshan 9748 
Letebele, Pond 9155 
Letwatwa, Lucas 9659 
Lifa, John 11247
Likgoli, David 9946 
Likgoli, Sebolai 9947 
Linganiso, Simon 10020 
Lithaba, Michele 9761 
Liwela, Frans 10951
Louw, Piet 11137 
Luhlongwana, Koni 9580
Luputini, Jacobus 9255 8
Maake, Saucepan 9142 
Mabagwana, Titi 9271 
Mabane, Mpini 9393 
Mabaso, Zula 11122 
Mabila, Charlie 9126 
Mabururu, Abraham 9125 
Macambi, Mareyama 9794 
Madikizela, Tatani 9388 
Madimetja, Jacob 10383 
Madosi, Robert 8910 
Madubanya, Jack 10365 
Madume, Botha 9124 
Madume, Frans 9189 
Madume, Jack No. 1 9174 
Madume, Jack 9408 
Madume, Jim 10949 
Madume, Kleinbooi 9185 
Madume, Mackson 9420 
Madzibana, Frans 9631 
Mafadi, Ephraim 9576 
Mafika, Daniel 9371 
Mafiliba, Mtigedwa 9243 
Magadi, Daniel 562 
Magagamela, Alison 8356 
Magaju, Hlongwana 11092 
Maggisi, Sitini 11079 
Magoba, Isaac 9195 
Magudulwana, Hlongwana 11093 
Magwegwana, Hlongwana 11105 
Mahaladi, Windvogel 11067 
Maharo, Stephen 9544 
Mahlaba, Whisky 9629 
Mahlentle, Richard 9773 
Mahloapitseng, Klaas 10965 
Mahludi, Isaac 11154 
Mahohoda, Klass 9643 
Mahutu, Canteen 9149 
Makalima, Robert 9288 
Makamba, Bloro 9198 
Makasha, Jim 3021 
Makatini, Nongqayi 9558 
Makatu, Kleinbooi 11181 
Makaye, Ndabana 11215 
Makeleni, Kimberley 9688 
Makhohe, Jan 8967 
Makilitshi, Paraffin 9117 
Makoba, Majuta 10002 
Makoe, Jack Jantji 11185 
Makole, Benjamin 9839 
Makopans, Frank 9897 
Makosana, Charles 9143 
Makudu Johannes 9898 
Makwane, Jacob 9857 
Makwatedi, Mack 9193 
Makwena, Josias 9857 
Malebogo, Jack 9427 
Malemutle, Chairlie 9119 
Malesela, Jan 10363 
Malgas, Hlanga 9932 
Mali, Mac 11069 
Maluse, Charlie 10391 
Maluse, Frans 10382 
Maluse, Lucas 10366 
Mambolo, Johannes 11065 
Mandcas, Sam 9248 
Mandubule, Dick 10027 
Mandwane, Hlatshwayo 11101
Maneka, Jack 10375 
Mangaliso, Hlongwana 11090 
Mangapela, Piet 11150 
Mange, William 9709 
Mangise, John 9669 
Mangoloane, Jacob 8997 
Mangqe, Timothy 8876 
Mangwana, Jan 9162 
Mantupsi, Jack 9426 
Manunyane, Bernard 9285 
Manzane, Ben 9635 
Mapalala, Keve 11121 
Maparana, Charlie 9136 
Maphessa, William 9563 
Mapheto, Hosiah 11066 
Maphoto, Harry 9826 
Mapulane, Sampson 9433 
March, Martinus 11135 
Marofula, Jacob 11057 
Marole, Willem 9138 
Martinus, Johannes 9295
Masade, Albert 9757 
Masaleni, Jeremiah 9927 
Maseko, Windvogel Captain 11071 
Mashali, Jameson 9411 
Masia, Dick 9432 
Masiaane, Jim 9562 
Masikela, William 9173 
Masilo, Transvaal 9782 
Masina, Taweni 9238 
Masinde, Jonas 9518 
Masindi, George 9237 
Masoling, Julius 11167 
Matebula, Piet 9358 
Mathlana, Aaron 9287 
Matjala, Richard 9798 
Matjola, Jan 9565 
Matkala, Picennin 11186 
Matlala, Johannes 11190 
Matonsi, Jaftha 9806 
Matsang, Abel 9751 
Matshana, Hezekiah 9924
Mathse, Marcus 9853 
Matshelane, Andries 9661
Matsubane, Jim 10368 
Matume, Frans 10370 
Matume, Moses 9760 
Matupu, Thousand 9133 
Mazaku, Gwavuma 9381
Mbata, Albert Nkomempunga 9913 
Mbedla, Isaac 9931 
Mbikwa, Sam 11140 
Mbiyazwe, Jim 9199 
Mbombiya, Jim 9373 
Mbuzi, Mzingele 9382 
Mcanyana, Russel Palmer 9792 
Mcitshwa. John 9768 
Mdata, Soloman 11075 
Mduna, Edward 9770 
Mdunyelwa, July 9922
Mdyogolo, Mnyeliso 9651 
Mehlomane, Silwanyana 9242 
Mekgoe, Herman 9253 
Menza, John 9658 
Mgidi, Billy 11204 
Mgingana, Koza 11099 
Mgoyoye, Petrus 9670 
Mgwena, Soloman 9784 
Mhlanga, Ndukwana 11118 
Mijana, Willie 9831 
Mkezo, Mpotyana 9394 
Mkohla, Joseph 10012 
Mkomazi, Frans 9152 
Mkomazi, Jim 9627 
Mkoni, John 9256 
Mkonvama, Daniel 9118 
Mkumguri, Jim 9736 
Mlahleki, Jail 11155 
Mlando, Hlongwana 11086 
Mlonyeni, Robert 9386 
Mncedana, Melville 7601 
Mnyeliso, Gama 9652 
Mnyikinwa, Longone 11055 
Moatse, Josiah 8991 
Mobitsela, William 9775
Modeba, Theophilus 9194 
Modikeng, Goodman 11151 
Modisane, Jan 10899 
Modise, David 9204 
Modisoatsile, George 9718
Moeata, Petrus 9783
Moeng, Sampson 9945
Maake, Joseph 9140
Mofokeng, Koos 10953
Mogalobutha, Klaas 9183
Mogorosi, Benjamin 10433
Mohale, Jacob 9177
Mohase, Vellum 9660
Mohowe, William 9128
Mokatakisa, Hendrick 10963
Mokgeleli, Aaron Jili 9333
Mokgosi, Aaron 9370
Mokgwere, Samuel 9743
Mokhali, Simon 10958
Mokhapo, Mac 9129
Molabi, Amos 9156
Molelekoa, Titus 9819
Molide, Sitebe 9267
Molife, Andries 11194
Molife, Linesa 9269
Molife, Mosmiti 9268
Molisanyane, Andries 9951
Moloi, Kleinbooi 9797
Moloi, Philip 11189
Moloyi, Mreki 9557
Moloyi, Ntikimana 9275
Molthlakane, Letsie 9838
Monahela, Edward 10959
Monamatuga, Thomas 9191
Mongologa, Joseph 9700
Monoke, Johannes 9825
Montso, Michael 11152
Monyako, Philip 9835
Monyele, Elias 9368
Morashe, Jim 9401
More, Pinefas 10434
Morolong, Walter 11178
Moshe, Moses 9132
Moshimane, Jack 10377
Mositsi, Amos 9739
Motaung, Jacob 9950
Motebang, Eliah 10962
Motela, Jack 9187
Mothei, Jan 9741
Motobi, Peter 7210
Motsoahai, Mpalakela 10957
Mpafulane, Udmund 9366
Mpatu, Simon 9437
Mpee, Johannes 9901
Mpete, Jan 9687
Mpoa, John 9721
Msesenyane, Jan 9632
Mshote, John 563
Msimango, Lubaro 9270
Msiya, Lemu Galimini 9647
Mtembu, Mswela 11109
Mtirara, John 9385
Mtolo, Sikaniso 9999
Mtombeni, Abraham 9560
Mtshotshisa, Gabayi 9939
Mudungazi, July 9638
Muhlaba, Joel 9252
Mukopo, Andries 9171
Mukotle, Fred 9168
Mulabe, Change 9440
Mulamu, David 9163
Munani, Mukale 9419
Murape, Jim 9430
Murda, Jack 11149
Mutinjwa, Daniel 9236
Mvele, Jerele Mazalemvula 9646
Mvula, Joniseni 11108
Myamana, Verandah 9622
Mzamani, Jim 9279
Mzayifana, Alfred 11207
Mzimane, Johannes 9677
Mzono, Jotama 11072
Nafufa, David 9644
Napane, Charlie 9421
Natedi, Jack 9141
Nawane, George 9698
Ncotele, Litye 9862
Ndaba, Pikiti 11128
Ndamase, Richard 9389
Ndanise, Baleni 9641
Ndeya, James 9795
Ndhluli, Jim 11060
Ndiki, Samuel 9859
Ndingi, Olifas 8893
Ndlankuhle, Nzulu 802
Ndlovu, Isaac 9529
Nduna, William 11058
Nepthale, Tsusa 11145
Ngade, Ben Elias 11061
Ngake, Enos 9749
Ngate, Canteen 9148
Ngate, Picannin 11054
Ngcenge, Durward 9771
Ngcobo, Pindela 9272
Ngcobo, Vincent Pansi 9319
Ngesi, Walter 9910
Ngqotoza, Zilandana 9653
Ngwahewa, Jan 9637
Ngwane, Jamse 9654
Nini, George 11053
Nkakuleni, Sly 9407
Nkhereanye, Lukase 5743
Nkoane, Peter 7277
Nkomandi, Konisars 9639
Nkunwana, Jack 9212
Nkwambene, Charles 9634
Nkwenkwe, John 9889
Nodolo, Squire 9772
Nokwelo, Makali 7067
Nomvaba, Charlie 9207
Nongwe, Johannes 10024
Nquza, Jabez 9202
Nsulansula, Zondo 11097
Ntabani, Picannin 9716
Ntelte, Frans 9139
Ntindili, Charlie 8891
Ntopi, Piet 11187
Ntoro, Kleinbooi 3711
Ntozake, Honono 8912
Ntshangase, Dick Mqitsha 9914
Ntshetsha, Mbalela 9383
Ntsieng, Bullar Martinus 9575
Ntsutswana,Thomas 9938
Nukula, Ben Sydney 11051
Nxazonke, Mlungu 9934
Nyambana, Konish 9636
Nyati, Samuel 9283
Nyonane, Ebenezer 11205
Nziba, John Clout 11177
Olibeng, Fanwell 9216
Olijn, Pieter 11131
Oliphant, Piet 11166
Pala, Alexander 9851
Pambili, James 11052
Papetje, Johannes 10378
Pasile, Radoma 9175
Pasoane, Amandus Aupa 11146
Pasoane, William 9850
Paulus, Dolf 11133
Payipeli, Charlie 9249
Payo, Jacob 9667
Perike, Ephraim 9599
Petela, Kleinbooi 9923
Petrus, Paul 9296
Petula, Stephen 10908
Phaladi, Bob 11046
Phiti, Tom 9179
Phohophedi, Thomas 8329
Pieters, Isaac 11162
Pietersen, Paulus 10900
Pikahila, Stephen 9793
Pinyana, Nodyiwana 8020
Pisani, Matthews 9151
Pitso, Andries 9911
Pitso, Jan 9717
Pkula, Simon 9953
Plaatje, Thomas 9657
Plaatjes, Malgas 9711
Poko, Philip 9824
Pokwane, Frans 9399
Ponyose, Koos 11059
Pugiso, David 9251
Pulana, Philemon 11047
Pule, Lazarus 9834
Pupuma, Madela 8907
Qaba, Edward 9648
Qakala, Jan 10013
Quvalele, Parafin 10022
Quzula, Charlie 10928
Qwebe, Cawood 9909
Rabatji, Jan 11064
Radelbe, James 9376
Radzaka, Jucas 9781
Rakau, Frans 11179
Rakgokong, Johannes 11062
Ramakalane, Titus 11193
Ramakhutle, Gerson 8992
Ramakoko, Modise 8990
Ramasi, Rabintoe 9746
Ramasita, Job 9902
Ramatea, Joseph 11143
Ramathodi, George 9896
Ramedekoane, Thijs 9001
Ramkosi, George 9833
Ramoho, Charlie 9130
Ramoshiela, Nicodimus 8994
Ramosole, Abel 9000
Rampomane, Aaron 11184
Rampopo, Lukas 8996
Rampunve, Jan 9733
Ramurumo, Frederick 9668
Raskane, Jan 9160
Ratilulu, Samuel 11147
Ratskogo, Gilmore 10897
Resinali, Picanin 9625
Roadway, Smith 9656
Rwairwai, Jerry 9694
Samela, Wolobile 9197
Seathlane, Selepe 10954
Sebadi, Samuel 994
Sefako, Geelbooi 8999
Sefako, Jim 9671
Segule, Smith 9122
Sekakaile, Rice 9412
Sekonyela, George 9816
Sekoro, Josiah 11142
Sekote, Stephanus 11191
Sekwidi, Jan 9779
Selami, Jim 9192
Sello, Seth 9907
Seodi, Green 9397
Sepalela, April 9417
Serewe, Jackson 9724
Setani, Style 9920
Setloko, Philemon 11180
Shebeshebe, Jack 10379
Shikamba, Jack 9445
Shiletane, Bossboy 9137
Sibalabula, Timotheus 9210
Sibalela, Jim 9240
Sibisi, Jacobus 9817
Sibizo, Edmund 11240
Sibolayi, Sampson 8993
Sifaku, Kleinbooi 10948
Sigededhla, Zachariah 9556
Sigidi, Hlongwana 11085
Sikawuleb, William 9755
Sikota, Theodore George 11202
Sikwayo, Ben 11157
Silika, Molefi 9266
Silwane, Frans 9121
Sinqana, July 11203
Siposa, Willie 9392
Sitebe, Mqobo 11107
Sitlaro, Koos 8995
Sitole, Charlie 10912
Sitole, Mgqiki 11116
Skhabi, Hermanus 11182
Skip, Jim 9428
Soka, Anderson 9892
Solani, Meji 9655
Somatshungu, Tom 9805
Somgede, William 9800
Songca, Lukakuva 8879
Stephens, George 9413
Stunga, James 9280
Suping, Abraham 9744
Suping, Johannes 11049
Swarts, Jan 11130
Swarts, Sma 11129
Tabudi, Jacob 9854
Takisi, Frank 9181
Tamasinya, Johannes 9590
Tambu, Peter 11168
Tankobong, Zachariah 9742
Tanoni, Phineas 11153
Tentata, July 11165
Thebeagae, Charlie 9753
Timpane, Billem 9745
Tiya, Percy 9706
Tlabure, Elias 11183
Tladivamutsi, Michael 11076
Tokhae, Jan 9134
Totwana, Hlongwana 11094
Tsamaya, Jacob 9246
Tsase, John 10950
Tsehlana, Jack 10372
Tshabalala, Kaysi 11102
Tshabana, Willie 9555
Tshange, Ngqakamatshe 11091
Tshekosi, Klaas 9780
Tshenene, Charlie 9860
Tshikari, Paul 11174
Tshite, Joseph 10431
Tshomolokse, Paul 9702
Tshotsha, Hlongwana 11110
Tshulo, Abram 9758
Tsule, Soloman 9434
Tube, Jackson 9259
Tumberi, Jim 9630
Tyilo, John 11198
Tywalana, Jeremiah 9649
Utuni, Frans 9776
Uziningo, Jantshi 9926
Voss, Philip 7229
Vovela, Joe 10929
Vutula, Charles 9801
Wauchope, Isaac 3276
Williams, Freddy 9714
Williams, Henry 9292
Zambezi, Hlongwana 11096
Zatu, John 9937
Zenzile, Arosi 9375
Zimuke, Mashaya 11068
Zingwana, Johannes 9640
Zinyusile, Edward 11158
Zitonga, Mongameli 8021
Zondi, Solomon Vili 9299
Zondo, Magida 11103
Zondo, Mufakabi 11114
Zondo, Pukwana 11115
Zulu, April 9247
Zwane, Sikonyana 11087
Zwane, Sukwana 11089