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

PERSONAL NARRATIVE
Colonel W. E. Thompson, A. A. G.
Headquarters.
Communicated personally to Director, March 15, 1918, at Headquarters office, by appointment.

Was in office at the time of the explosion. Never budge from it except to eat and sleep. His duty was directing all the military available; sitting at his desk. His first impression was "At last the war has come to us, I'm glad. People will know we're in it." ( Colonel Thompson expressed his opinion that some sort of "visitation" would come to Halifax this summer, probably in the shape of a big submarine.) On going out into the street Colonel T. could see the smoke cloud of the explosion. "My duty was to get the troops at McNab's, the Armouries, etc. on the scene as soon as possible; to see that transport was ready, ordnance ready for moving supplies, blankets, boots etc. and transport for the supplies." "By twelve o'clock we had all our troops out and working." Flowers was in command at the Armouries, in charge of 900 men, consisting of drafts waiting to proceed overseas. Flowers was the first to come prominently to Colonel T's notice. Parties were immediately thrown out to do what they could in the devastated area. Management "admirable". The 73rd and 74th Batteries of Artillery from Ontario fell in etc. in a manner Col. T. pronounced admirable. Boats were run out to York and McNab's. Three boats were kept on the go. The 63rd was the first to arrive. It was ordered to proceed North calling at the Ordnance, and each man taking a blanket, which they did. The blanket was for the protection of those who were injured or without clothing. A great many were wasted and lost, but Col. T.

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MGI vol 2124 number 233