Laura M. Mac Donald

On the morning of December 6, 1917, after exchanging a number of warning whistles, the Imo collided with the Mont Blanc in the narrows of the Halifax, Nova Scotia harbor. Unfortunately for the residents of Halifax, the Mont Blanc was fully loaded with munitions destined for the war in Europe. The Mont Blanc caught fire after the collision and when the crew determined that the fire was not controllable, they abandoned ship and rowed to the shore opposite from Halifax. Unmanned, the Mont Blanc ran into Halifax's Pier 6 twenty minutes after the collision and then detonated in the largest man-made explosion of the time. The explosion leveled much of Halifax on the western shore of the harbor, and some of Richmond on the eastern shore, killing over 2000 people, wounding over 6000 people, and leaving 9000 people homeless. That night a blizzard arrived further complicating rescue efforts, and cutting off Halifax from the rest of the world.

[a:Laura M. MacDonald|215652|Laura M. MacDonald|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1391549220p2/215652.jpg] has done an exemplary job of researching and chronicling the disaster, and the recovery from the explosion. She vividly brings to life both the people suffering from the disaster, and the medical and other responders working non-stop to rescue the injured, save their lives, and to provide shelter and support for the survivors. This is a fascinating book that acknowledges the tremendous spirit and resilience of both the people of Halifax and the many volunteers working with them overcome all of the obstacles that the explosion and subsequent weather threw at them. I highly recommend this great read for all.… (más)

The description of the time right before the impact and explosion was poignant because it appeared to happen in slow motion. The crews on ships and the local population had so little warning, so little expectation of what was possible that a number of people stood watching as the biggest conflagration in history transpired. The devastation was compounded by the blizzard that followed. The chapter on the nature of explosions was the most interesting as it described why and how the blast and chain of events happened as they did. Some may prefer the more literary Barometer Rising by Hugh MacLennan, but this is without doubt an superb account of the horrific event that was mind-boggling in its scope.… (más)

On December 6, 1917, a collision between two ships in Halifax Harbour resulted in the largest non-atomic human-made explosion in history. The entire north end of Halifax was destroyed. Thousands were killed, and thousands more were injured. Relief efforts were enormous, and the question of who was to blame consumed public discourse for months afterward.

MacDonald’s book meticulously details the events leading up to, during, and following the explosion. Of particular note is Chapter 4, which talks about explosions themselves and brings home to the reader just why the explosion was so devastating. The discussion of the trial of pilot Francis Mackey includes transcripts of the court proceedings that vividly illustrate the confusion arising from the language barrier and the varying behaviour of English and French ships. The book contains a map, pictures, and appendices that flesh out the story.

This is a great book for those who want a comprehensive overview of the disaster. The bibliography at the back may give you ideas for further reading.… (más)