EXPERIENCE MARITIME HERITAGE
CURRENT
The Marsh collection consists of various collections including over
19000 photographs, depicting 9200 ships dating from the late 1920 to
the early 1960’s. Iziko Maritime Centre at the popular V& A Waterfront
features new displays with fascinating images that capture our
maritime history.
THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE MENDI: DEATH IN FOREIGN WATERS
CURRENT
During the First World War,
the cargo vessel Mendi was converted to a troopship. In 1917 she
carried a group of the South African Native Labour Contingent to help
with the war effort in France. On the final leg of her voyage she was
accidentally rammed by the British cargo vessel Darro on 21
February
1917. She sank within 20 minutes. Six hundred and seven of the black
troops on board died in the icy waters of the English Channel.
The exhibition sketches the background to this disaster and what it
was like on board the vessel for the troops. Stories of bravery abound
and echoes of this are still visible today. We also show what the
wreck looks like today and highlight some of the recoveries from the
wreckage. Acknowledgement is due to Wessex Archaeology, a British
company that provided photographic material as well as information.
Enquiries: Jaco Boshoff, Tel 021 481 3835 or email
jboshoff@iziko.org.za |
