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UK gifts historic SS Mendi Bell from WW1 to South Africa

The UK has gifted the bell from First World War ship the SS Mendi to the Republic of South Africa, where it holds cultural and historical value.

• From: Ministry of Defence
• Published: 28 August 2018
• Last updated: 29 August 2018 — See all updates

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

Prime Minister Theresa May presented the bell to South African president Cyril Ramaphosa as an example of the shared heritage that underpins the close relationship between the two nations.

The sinking of the SS Mendi in the English Channel on 21 February 1917, a disaster that resulted in the loss of 616 South Africans, is a significant historical moment in the country’s history. It is commemorated by South African Armed Forces Day held on the date of the disaster and commonly referred to as Mendi day.

Published 28 August 2018
Last updated 29 August 2018 + show all updates

1. 29 August 2018

   Updated image.

2. 28 August 2018

   First published.