Nova Scotia Archives

Archibald MacMechan

Halifax Disaster Record Office Materials

Personal narrative - Dr. C.C. Ligoure

25 January 1918. — 2 pages : 30 x 39 cm.

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MG 1 vol 2124 number 166

Halifax Disaster Record Office
Chronicle Building
Halifax N.S.
January 25, 1918

MEDICAL WORK IN THE NORTH END
Communicated personally to J.H.M. by Dr. C.C. Ligoure, 166 North St.

Immediately after the explosion, Dr. Ligoure's office filled with the injured. He was the only doctor in the Cotton Factory and Willow Park district. Very severe cases, jaws cut in, noses off. One hand hanging down (this has since been saved). Ligoure's only assistants were his housekeeper, (mulatto) and H.D. Nicholas, a Pullman porter who boards with him. In spite of the warning of a second explosion, he worked steadily until 8 p.m. Some people who had been turned away from the Hospitals came to him. Seven people spent the night in his office, laid upon blankets. On December 7th, 8th, and 9th, he worked steadily both night and day, doing outside work at night. Monday he went to the City Hall, and told Lieut. Ryecroft I.G. at R.S.A. on Medical Relief of the urgent need of a dressing station in his district. There was an immediate response, and he was given Mrs. Montpetit, and Miss Walsh of Montreal (nurses) to work in his office. Work was still very heavy. Eight more nurses were sent, and six to do district work, also Private Sutherland A.M.C., T. Henso, H,M.S. ---- and Captain Dr. Parker, assistant M.O. It was called No. 4 dressing station. Upwards of 180 people were dressed per day. It carried on until December 28th.
Dr. Ligoure has not charged a cent to anyone since the explosion He still does relief work, for which he has the use of a motor.* [*furnished by Medical Relief] At present he has upwards of 51 cases, due to tohe explosion and conditions it created. They are scattered over Hungry Hill, the Lady Hammond Road, Willow Park etc. On Sunday December 9th in the blizzard which turned to rain, about 1 a.m. Dr. Ligoure went to Willow Park on emergency case.


Medical work in the North End.

Reference: Archibald MacMechan Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 volume 2124 number 166

Nova Scotia Archives — https://archives.novascotia.ca/macmechan/archives/?ID=166

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