Defence minister Lewis Moonie has not gauged the strength of feeling there is over the sinking of the SS Mendi in the Channel even though it happened 84 years ago.

He says it was up to South Africa to inform the relatives what happened after 600 people died in the disaster.

Technically, this is true as the tribesman who died were South African but the disaster occurred in British waters when they were rammed by a British liner that failed to stop.

They were on their way to fight for Britain when they died.

South Africa was part of the British Empire and recruits were badly needed at this stage of the First World War.

No less a figure than the former South African president Nelson Mandela is expected to be in Brighton in June for a memorial service.

The least Britain could do would be to give some form of official recognition to the sacrifice these men made.

Prime Minister Tony Blair is also a big admirer of Mr Mandela as he showed at last year's Labour conference.

He should make sure a high-ranking member of the Government, perhaps even himself, also attends the service.