Eyewitness account of the Halifax Explosion

Halifax – On December 6, 1917 at 8:45 AM I saw this big fire out on the water. The last thing I remember is my friend running up to me and saying run the boat is going to explode.

There was a lot of people running around the port of Halifax yelling two ships have collided everybody run on one ship there was 3000 tons of explosives on the boat. The two ships exploded and killed 2000 people and injured 9000.

It's sad to say but one of the 2000 people was my best friend that told me to run and he rest his life to save everybody else I would just like to say that my friend was a good friend. The next day one the workers were cleaning up the town interviewers ran up to me and asked how I was feeling and I said “ my friend was the best friend I've ever had and I'm upset and mad that he was the one who was taken from all of us to early”.

Reflection of the Halifax Explosion

Halifax Explosion - Mr. Robertson

It’s been a year since the explosion. I can remember it as clear as blue skies on a sunny day, but this past year hasn't been to good for me. I am Mr. Robertson. I lost my two children in the explosion. Day after day i thought to myself that it should’ve been me who died. I ask myself to this day “Why?”, it isn’t fair. I was at work and let my kids stay home from school that day, I had to travel 2 hours for work. I was watching the news and saw it and my heart immediately dropped. My best friend tried to warn everybody but-no one believed him. I tried to overdose on antidepressants, it was too much, for two lives to be ended so young. I don’t know what’s in store for me next. I hope it’s good.

The Halifax Explosion - Reflection of Nathan Smith - Store Owner

The morning of December 6th 1917 is a day that I will never forget. It was just before 9:00am, I was sweeping in my store when i heard the big bang. It scared me so bad i dropped my broom and ran under the counter in terror thinking that we were getting bombed or something. There was only one big bang why was there only one? When I finally gained the courage i went to my shop window and peeked out, it was right there in front of my eyes. Two ships had collided in the water, there was fire everywhere. I saw fire engines heading towards the scene. There was one guy running through the streets yelling that the ship was gonna explode. I was freaking out at that point so i decided to try and be safe by going into the wine cellar just in case. Just a few minutes after i entered the cellar i heard the screams and the sounds of the town falling apart above me. I waited a good 2 hours before i decided to leave the cellar, I opened the door and I looked around. My store was gone - rubble was everywhere.

Letters From the Trenches

A Day in the Trenches

Dear Mom and Dad,                                                 June 16th 1915

Thank-you for all the previous letters you have sent. We recently arrived to fight in Beaumont Hamel, France. I hope everyone is feeling good, unlike my new friend Tim, who  recently got sick. So, how's the weather at home? The weather here is bad. It has been raining all week. Having to expose myself to no man’s land to rescue a friend I got wounded in the right leg.

I would just like to tell I am safe right now because I am with a nurse in a safe shelter to wrap bandaging around the wound. My nurse said you are pretty much healed.  I should try bending it more, so I went on a short bike ride to the Beaumont Hamel Memorial Park. It was relaxing but kind of hurt. I might have overdone it. I enjoyed the fresh home made jam, but now I need some new socks because all of mine are sweaty stinky and wet from the trenches. I hope to hear more about back home. 

Love from your son, 
John

Dear, Beloved Family                                                                           1915/03/23

             Today is my nineteenth birthday, I am missing you guys every moment I am gone and spending this day without you guys makes me go insane. Instead of being at home, I am stuck in the trenches awaiting to attack the enemies. We sit here awaiting orders to attack or we wait for the enemy to attack. I hate this war, it seems that there is no end to it. They told us it would end in a couple months and it has been a year already. I am counting every day that goes by.

There is also terrible smell in the trenches. It is probably the worst thing I have ever smelled but I am not sure what it is, maybe it’s the gas they have been using I have no idea. I am also getting black spots on my feet and we are not so sure what it is, maybe it is because we spend so long in the mud down here and our feet are always wet. 

Anyways let's stop talking about me. How is my dear family? Is everyone doing fine? Is the dog still giving you troubles? I am always wondering if anything new is happening so don't forget to tell me everything when you get the chance.

Anyways, I am running of room on this paper send me a letter soon.

Love, Braden 

WWI: Should Nations Enter Into a War?

Germany
We as Germans do want to go to war because we want to dominate Europe. The German Empire considers ourselves as a new country, we want to expand and conquer enemies. We have to catch up on owning as many colonies as France and Great Britain. We are a peace loving country and wish to remain so. We must fulfill the hopes and wishes of our leaders past and present. We only want as much as what other countries have. As a German citizen, I am ready to train and serve. As a father, I have two sons that will be ready and willing to serve if necessary.

Prime Minister Theobald Von Bethmann- Hollweg

Great Britain

Great Britain wants a balance of power so no one group can beat another group. We don’t want to fight in any war. It is concerning that Germany is building unnecessary weapons. Plus Germany is trying to take over our country. We said that if Belgium got attacked we would help them fight back to protect there country. Are enemies are German,Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary. It caused us to lose some of its oldest and most populous colonies. We have made deals and are aligned with France, Russia and Italy. We have promised Belgium that they can stay neutral and will step in and help if anyone is attacked.We have 65 million men from England and all of our colonies ready to go and fight for the country.