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HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
CHRONICLE BUILDING

HALIFAX, N. S.

INTERVIEW WITH ADMIRAL CHAMBERS.

Director had an interview with Admiral Chambers in his own office intthe [in the] Metropole Building at 2.30 p. m. which lasted nearly two hours. Admiral Chambers read his various despatches to the British Admiralty.
Note Copies of these have been sent to Admiral Kingsmill, at Ottawa.
Admiral C. went afloat and personally superintended the movements of vessels in the Harbour on the morning of December 6th, He was much relieved to find, after soundings had been taken, that the Narrows were clear. Otherwise his convoy could not have got out. He noted the assistance given by the American Ships of War in the Harbour. Stated that a Naval party went on board the "PICTON" on the morning of the 6th, before Captain Harrison, and removed thirteen injured persons, two of whom died almost immediately. The admiral was of the opinion that there was no danger of an explosion on board the "PICTON". Showed the Director an Admiralty chart of the Harbour, with the positions of the various ships marked on it in pencil. H. M. S. "HIGHFLYER" was at anchor nearest to the two ships in collision. Triggs and Ruffles, the two officers of the "HIGHFLYER", volunteered to render assistance to the "MONT BLANC" well knowing the risk they ran. They and their boat's crew were killed in the explosion. Admiral C. intended to recommend them for decoration. Lieut Murray of the DockYard, formerly Captain of S. S. Empress of Britain, went from DockYard to render assistance, and was buried under the timber at Pier 8. He was well-liked by his men, who worked hard to recover the body, which was horribly injured.
Note Reason why Admiral C. thought there was no danger of an explosion on board S. S. "PICTON" was the direction of the wind, which he marked on chart for Director's benefit. Wind was at S. S. E. [illegible]