The halifax explosion
Thursday, December 6, 1917, a horrible incident hit the city of Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia. On this dreadful day, the second largest manmade explosion in History occurred in the center of Halifax harbour. The source of this disaster was the collision of two ships; the Mt Blanc and the Imo. 1917 was the time of the horrific war in Europe; however, Halifax, Nova Scotia, located on the Atlantic coast of Canada, comprised a huge part in this war. The port of Halifax was full of activity, busy with the movement of war ships, troupes, relief supplies and munitions. At the high point of WWI, ships would enter harbour and proceed through the Narrows to the Bedford Basin where they could unload and reload war supplies, troops, setup a convoy, obtain supplies, etcetera. Halifax was not underestimated during this damaging time, for Halifax had the largest role in the War for all of Canada, as a strategic port. The greatness of Halifax's position can be attributed to her excellent distinctiveness. The natural harbour is deep, free flowing from ice year-round. Since 1812, Halifax has been defended by many forts placed on islands throughout the harbour as an authentication to the port's ongoing importance. More of late in th
This was the biggest manmade explosion until the atomic bomb was dropped in Japan in 1945. People left their jobs in order to go to the harbour to watch the burning ship, residents joined them as well. The captain of the IMO saw the Steamer on the left and was forced to pass it on the right on the Dartmouth side. The Crew of forty men onboard the Mont Blanc desperately exhausted their efforts to put out the flames. Up ahead of the Mont Blanc was an American Tramp Steamer that went to the left side of The Narrows, which did not follow the rule, which was not a wise decision. The count of bodies found was 1963, and nine thousand were injured. The ship did not have the proper equipment to deal with a fire, and despite the efforts of the crew, they could not distinguish the fire, they were forced to abandon their efforts. Relief came from Boston, who sent a train with many medical supplies, nurses and doctors. This was a deadly move as both the IMO and the Mount Blanc were then on the same side, approaching one another; a collision was in the making! A distance of a kilometer away, the captain of the Mont Blanc was shocked to see the IMO entering the Narrows on the same side. The efforts seemed like they were going to work, but sadly when the IMO put its engines into reverse, it caused the bow of the ship to spin directly in front of the Mont Blanc. Ironically, people thought that they were being attacked by the Germans, thinking they were dropping bombs. The time now is 8:15 and everything in the city of Halifax is running well, and the day is beautiful. Unfortunately, the ships assisting the Mont Blanc did not hear this warning, and continued to fight the fire courageously. Halifax in the presentToday, Halifax remains one of the biggest and most busy ports of the world. e early part of 1917, Halifax served as a key convoy system to assist in the reduction of losses from other boats.
Common topics in this essay:
West Halifax,
Mont Blanc,
Mount Blanc,
Bedford Basin,
Pier Six,
Canadian History,
Blanc IMO,
War Canada,
Nova Scotia,
Dartmouth Halifax,
mont blanc,
bedford basin,
mount blanc,
city halifax,
burning ship,
december 6 1917,
fire engine,
abandon efforts,
engines reverse,
commander frederick,
captain mont blanc,
relief supplies,
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