First World War (1914-1918)
The Halifax Explosion

In December 1917, a collision between the relief ship SS Imo and the munitions ship SS Mont Blanc in the port of Halifax led to a massive explosion that devastated the harbour and the city, killing thousands.

Albert Medal, First Class Lieutenant Commander Thomas Kenneth Triggs

This Albert Medal was posthumously awarded to British naval officer Thomas Kenneth Triggs for his role in rescue efforts following the collision of the SS Imo and the SS Mont Blanc.

Triggs, the executive officer of HMS Highflyer, led a volunteer crew of six to assist the burning Mont Blanc. After conferring with other vessels at the scene and deciding that the Mont Blanc should be towed away from the pier against which it had drifted, Triggs and his boat's crew were heading towards the Imo when the Mont Blanc exploded. Triggs and five of his party were killed by the blast or died in its aftermath.

Albert Medal, First Class, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Kenneth Triggs
Tilston Memorial Collection of Canadian Military Medals
CWM 19890161-001