On December 6, 1917, a frigid day, the communities surrounding the Halifax Harbour were devastated by a catastrophic explosion, when the SS Imo collided with the explosive laden SS Mont Blanc.
Buildings and homes were obliterated.
Windows shattered across the city.
The Mi’kmaq village of Turtle Grove was completely destroyed and they were not permitted to rebuild.
This morning, and on this day for the past several years, a very special and intimate ceremony took place on the Dartmouth side of the Harbour, where the village of Turtle Grove stood—to acknowledge, remember and honour this community.
Later in the day, the yearly ceremony took place at the Dartmouth North Mont Blanc Canon site to remember the Dartmouth victims of the explosion. The archival photos of Dartmouth right after the explosion are truly jarring.
Thank you to those who organize these ceremonies year after year.
“Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbour making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys.”
– Vince Coleman, Train Dispatcher
