Bearing Witness

Journalists, Record Keepers and the 1917 Halifax Explosion At approximately 8:45 a.m. on 6 December 1917, the Belgian Relief vessel IMO struck the munitions-laden freighter Mont-Blanc in Halifax Harbour. The Mont-Blanc exploded in a devastating 2.9 kiloton blast, which killed 2,000 people and injured 9,000. More than 6,000 people were made homeless, and an additional 12,000 were left without shelter. Bearing Witness tells the story of the Explosion, and the catastrophic damage it caused, through the eyes and words of more than two dozen journalists and record keepers who experienced it first hand. Their accounts reveal a unique perspective, offering new detail about the tragedy and providing insight into the individuals who struggled to articulate the magnitude of the shocking event to the rest of the world. In addition to the original work by journalists and record keepers, Michael Dupuis provides over 30 photographs and illustrations, several previously unseen, and a detailed timeline of journalistic activities from the time of the Explosion on December 6 to December 16. This timely book brings a valuable archive into easy reach of the armchair historian. It will help readers both understand and share in the work of remembering this extraordinary event. — Winnipeg Free Press A compelling read, and a tribute to the courage and determination of those reporters who had to confront scenes of terrible misery, at considerable risk and with compassion. — Janet Maybee, author of Aftershock This documentary history will immediately establish itself as an indispensable handbook for all students of the Halifax disaster. — Barry Cahill, biographer of the Halifax Relief Commission