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.

Halifax Pier, 1917

This remarkable photograph shows some of the damage caused by the force of the blast and the resulting tidal wave from the Halifax Explosion.

Walter Wonham, training as a Royal Canadian Navy wireless (radio) operator, took this photograph from inside HMCS Niobe. The explosion and resulting tidal wave slammed Niobe into the pier and shattered the gangway leading up to the ship (centre right and left). The explosion also smashed the wireless training school, killing one of Wonham's fellow students and badly injuring four others.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20080060-001_9d