The sinking of the SS Mendi was one of the most shameful episodes involving Britain during the First World War.

It was rammed by an English liner in 1917 and sank in the Channel.

More than 600 black South Africans, who had volunteered to dig trenches in France, perished.

Yet the liner did not stop to rescue them and relatives of the dead men were never officially told what had happened.

Full details of the scandal have only just been uncovered by members of a Brighton church and are revealed by The Argus today.

Although the sinking happened 84 years ago and almost no one can recall it today, it is time for the sacrifice these men made to be acknowledged.

Remains of the troops should be properly laid to rest and an appropriate memorial built, perhaps on the Downs overlooking the Channel.

A memorial service attended by figures from both countries should show the descendants of these men they have not been forgotten after all.

No one really knows why the captain of the liner did not stop. He might have panicked or feared for the safety of his own crew because of submarines.

Worst of all, he might have had little regard for the dying men on the Mendi because they were black.

Whatever the reason, it is time most of all for an official and heartfelt apology.