The Canadian War Museum acquires an Albert Medal for Saving Life at Sea commemorating the 1917 explosion in Halifax Harbour

Posted on: 05/04/2011

The Canadian War Museum acquires an Albert Medal for Saving Life at Sea commemorating the 1917 explosion in Halifax Harbour

Ottawa, Ontario, April 5 2011 – The Canadian War Museum is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Albert Medal for Saving Life at Sea that was posthumously awarded to Albert Charles Mattison for his participation in the lifesaving operations at sea in the Halifax explosion of December 6, 1917. The medal was acquired at auction for the sum of £ 19,000 (approximately $30,000).

“This new acquisition allows us to honour the memory of the sacrifice and courage of Albert Charles Mattison and all those who, like him, gave their lives in what was a massive explosion and one of the greatest tragedies in Canadian history,” said Mark O’Neill, Director General of the Canadian War Museum.

The Albert Medal for Saving Life at Sea was first instituted in 1866 and was named in honour of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the Prince Consort and husband of Queen Victoria. The medal was awarded until 1971 to individuals for saving lives at sea.

The Halifax explosion, caused by the collision between the French ship Mont-Blanc, loaded with munitions, and the Norwegian vessel Imo, resulted in the death of some 2,000 people and the total destruction of much of the city of Halifax. Among the victims of the explosion was Acting Boatswain Albert Charles Mattison, 44 years old, who died in a rescue attempt alongside the Mont-Blanc. Mattison had volunteered to be part of the crew of a steamboat that tried to approach the French ship and see what could be done. The explosion of the munitions aboard the Mont-Blanc killed the entire crew of this gallant lifesaving endeavour. The medal was awarded to Mattison on February 18, 1919.

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