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HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
CHRONICLE BUILDING
HALIFAX, N. S.
Feb, 7, 1918.

PERSONAL NARRATIVE,Colonel Ralph B. Simmonds,
Home 61 Edward St. in command of the 66th, P. L. F.

On the morning of Dec. 6, was leaving his house when the explosion occurred. The morning was hazy, suitable morning for submarine attach, which had been often discussed among the various officers. "Of all the houses in the City they had to hit mine !" Got family into the basement as a perfectly safe place. Thought it was an attack on the harbor and started for his post at York Redoubt. Saw smoke in the sky over Richmond and was told that a ship had exploded in the harbor. He reported at headquarters. Found Colonel Thompson and all the staff there. Then proceeded in his car to Colonel King's in Inglis St. Returned with him to Headquarters, where he was asked for men from McNab's and York. He thought the explosion might have damaged the communications with York, and that he would have to send orders by wireless. Found telephonie communication uninjured and called up York for one hundred men. They just caught the duty boat, reached Halifax about eleven, and immediately set to work to clear the streets, principally Campbell Road. They had lunch by the side of the road. Colonel King was in charge. The work lasted all day. They took over South Barracks for the Headquarters of the 66th, and furnished guards, working-parties etc. on demand from Headquarters. They never had enough men for requirements. The men worked hard. Incident . Private Dempsey took off his own boots and gave them to barefoot woman. Bound up his feet with cloths and went home. Was not put under stoppages, but was given a new pair. Colonel Simmonds was struck with the "stoicism" of the people. The first tear that was shed, to his knowledge, was from his own eyes. He had been put in charge of the devastated area and posted guards to keep away the general public.

[writing at top of page]
MGI vol 2124 number 225

[transcriber's note]
Document title has typo, "Colonal" should be "Colonel"