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HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
CHRONICLE BUILDING
HALIFAX, N. S.

PERSONAL NARRATIVE, Colonel R. B. Simmonds

every day. Sometimes there were as few as fifty. Sometimes as many as 500. One day 22 men of the B. E. F. who were not well protected had their ears frozen. Porter and Wheaton gave valuable assistance by loan of steam derricks. Men were provided with spades, shovels, pevees, ropes, chains etc. for the removal of debris .
Note Colonel Simmonds noted at first that everything was black, as if from a weak solution of tar, almost like sooty water; but after the various storms the black disappeared.
Note Looting. Colonel Simmonds was of the opinion that looting was impossible after he took charge on December the 8th. The entrances to the area were guarded. The area was patrolled by mounted men, and the physical difficulties were great and many. Gave instance of Con. Upham's store, from the back of which were removed coats and sweathers which were piled in front of the ruined building and covered with cloths against the weather. They remained there for five or six days and were not disturbed. His statement that he had shot one man for looting kept people away, as if by plague. Gave Director to understand that he was joking. Confirmed ghastly story of brown dog released from house in Flinn block, after confinement for ten days. Jumped out frisking, one side bulged out as if he had been injured. Colonel Simmonds shot him with his own revolver.

[Com'd?] personally to A.M. Dec. 7. 1918

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MGI vol 2124 number 225b
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