note: transcription publicly contributed - please contact us with comments, errors or omisions

MG 1 vol 2124 number 149

HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
Archibald MacMechan, F.R.S.C.
Director.
Halifax, N.S.

PERSONAL NARRATIVE
J. C. Gillespie,
Conductor C. G. R.

Resides at Truro. Stout, clean-shaven, red-faced, large features. Serious-minded man. Interviewed by Director, at Halifax Hotel, Sunday April 28, 1918.
On December 6th, 1917, he was in charge of the Boston Express consisting of engine, postal car, baggage car, second-class, [firs] first-class, and two Pullmans. Was running late. Felt shock of explosion near Rockingham. The cars tilted over as far as the safety chains on the trucks [tracks] would allow them to go. Then they came back. Glass was broken on both sides of the train. None of the passengers were hurt by the glass. The engineer was thrown against the boiler-head, and injured, but was able to continue his work. The train came in as far as Willow Park Junction. There Gillespie saw cold, barefooted, and torn people. One fellow asked if he could come in out of the cold. G. had no instructions and had to act on his own initiative. “I went to work”. “Filled the train full”. “Then what to do with them?.” The wires were all down. G. could not get into communication with anyone. Went back to Rockingham and then back to Truro. Did not know where [els] else to go. Received orders for Truro. Engine had to go to Roundhouse for water and coal. Left at one p.m. for Truro. Reached Truro at 4 p.m. and found people ready to receive them. G. took the names and residences of all the patients on board.