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MG 1 volume 2124 number 216b

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

Befl
Before this R.P.'s lung wound had re-opened and he had a hemorrhage. "With this and the knowledge that I had swallowed glass, I was pretty scared". However he kept on. "There was nothing else to do". He worked that night until 11 p.m. On Friday he was at work at 8.30 a.m. The car was commandeered but he drove it himself. He picked up homeless people and took them to the Academy and St. Mary's Hall. Went to Richmond six times through the snow. Only made the trip alone once. Different men with him the other times. Found people without any shelter, huddled together. Some were crouched against walls that remained standing. Some people at the reservoir. In the afternoon the military "took" him. (He was still in uniform). He drove for them until about 9 p.m. Then went to his brother's home at Armdale.
Saturday R. P. drove his car into the city from Armdale through the snow. Had to get a horse to start the automobile. Still under orders from the Military authorities. Took food to hospitals. Met trains to bring doctors etc., Asked what doctors they were R. P. said he did not know. "Was feeling all in then, and pretty grumpy. Didn't talk to them at all." Sunday morning he started out again. Went from the City Hall to the Academy. Took an officer to the Armouries. Car began to "go bad". Worked it down in front of Smith & Proctor's. Went into the shop. When he came out in ten minutes or so and attempted to start the car, the rear axle broke. R. P. worked at it for a few minutes and suddenly fainted on the sidewalk. "We both went at once."