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Halifax Disaster Record Office
Chronicle Building
Halifax, N.S.

Left Connaught Battery for the city on leave on December 5th, 1917 to return by the second duty boat on December 6th, and was just getting ready to leave the house for the second duty boat when the explosion occurred. It caused considerable damage to my own house, tearing out windows and doors. After boarding up open space as well as I could for the time being, I reported to O. C. I was ordered by him to give assistance where most needed, and report to Major Willis at Headquarters at 7 p. m. After reporting to Headquarters I was sent to the Common to put up tents for shelter to the destitute, being relieved by Lt. Creighton about midnight. Again reported to Headquarters. I was told to report to our own O. C. the following morning.

On the 7th. Working with relief party in snow blizzard recovering teo bodies and live child.

8th. In charge of working party, discovered 5 bodies on Horse-steamer at Creighton's and 7 on Roome St. Total 18 bodies.

9th Acting night officer at the Citadel.

10th Working party at Richmond. Found ladies gold watch, supposed to belong to Miss Mabel Leitch, 29 Roome St. and handed the same, with a letter to O. C. Also sent in table silverware by W. L. Kane.

11th On duty for 24 hours Citadel.

12th Home for rest.

13th Reported to Lt. Colonel Simmonds at Wellington Barracks for relied work. Sent to work on Acadia St. Recovered charred body at number 21, thewife of Mr. Murphy and at number 23, remains of wife and son, 9 years old, of Mr. M. Williams; also one body on Veith St. supposed to be Mrs. Brown. Reported at Citadel at 6 p. m., remaining on duty all night.

Leo G. Esther, Lieut.,
1st Regt. C. G. A.