Nova Scotia Archives

Archibald MacMechan

Halifax Disaster Record Office Materials

Personal narrative - James A. Knight, K.C.

31 December 1917. — 1 page : 30 x 39 cm.

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HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
ARCHIBALD MACMECHAN, F.R.S.C.
DIRECTOR
HALIFAX, N.S.

MG 1 volume 2124 number 163

PUBLIC ARCHIVES OF NOVA SCOTIA
HALIFAX

PERSONAL NARRATIVE.
James A. Knight, K. C. , Barrister etc. Chief Game Commissioner.
Rooms 32-33 St. Paul's Building, Home, Bedford.
Communicated personally to Director at Tally-Ho Lunch, Dec. 31st, 1917.

Was at corner of George and Barrington St. near Page's at the time of the explosion. Was slow to recognize the magnitude of the damage. Dodged into a door-way and so escaped injury. Went on to his office. felt the ground shake under his feet. Had experienced a slight shock of earthquake in Halifax years ago. This was similar, but worse. Later joined exodus of people toward the Park. At the Terminals, foot of Inglis St., he spoke to a sailor off the "NIOBE" without his cap, who was quite cool and smoking a cigarette. About twelve noon he heard that the danger of a second explosion was over. Followed the road on the south side of the railway cutting, round to South Park St. Proceeded to take the Ferry to Dartmouth at 3,15 p. m. intending to walk home to Bedford if necessary. On account of wreck of North St. station was unable to get train. walked for some distance on the Dartmouth side. was overtaken by Wood Bros. delivery motor containing other passengers. Was taken in and so reached home. From Dartmouth he was first able to estimate the damage. Richmond was swept bare. Passed close to "IMO" when walking on the railway track. Superstructure was demolished, but the hull uninjured.


Chief Game Commission.

Reference: Archibald MacMechan Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 volume 2124 number 163

Nova Scotia Archives — https://archives.novascotia.ca/macmechan/archives/

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