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History Post-confederation (1867-)

Aftershock

The Halifax Explosion and the Persecution of Pilot Francis Mackey

by (author) Janet Maybee

Publisher
Nimbus Publishing
Initial publish date
Oct 2015
Category
Post-Confederation (1867-), Criminals & Outlaws, Disasters & Disaster Relief
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781771083447
    Publish Date
    Oct 2015
    List Price
    $19.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781771083454
    Publish Date
    Oct 2015
    List Price
    $59.85

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Description

On December 6, 1917, harbour pilot Francis Mackey was guiding Mont Blanc, a French munitions ship, into Bedford Basin to join a convoy across the Atlantic when it was rammed by Belgian Relief vessel Imo. The resulting massive explosion destroyed Halifax's north end and left at least two thousand people dead, including pilot William Hayes aboard Imo.

Who was to blame? Federal government and naval officials found in Pilot Mackey a convenient target for public anger. Charged with manslaughter, he was imprisoned, villainized in the press, and denied his pilot's license even after the charges were dropped. A century later he is still unfairly linked to the tragedy.

Through interviews with Mackey's relatives, transcripts, letters, and newly exposed government documents, author Janet Maybee explores the circumstances leading up to the Halifax Explosion, the question of fault, and the impact on the pilot and his family of the unjust, deliberate persecution that followed.

About the author

Janet Maybee holds English degrees from UNB and Dalhousie. As research associate at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, her archival studies in Halifax and Ottawa focussed on the 1917 Halifax Explosion, particularly the fate of harbour pilot Francis Mackey and his family. Janet lives in that part of Halifax called Richmond before the tragic blast.

Janet Maybee's profile page

Awards

  • Winner, Robbie Robertson Dartmouth Book Award (Non-fiction)
  • Short-listed, Atlantic Book Awards, John and Margaret Savage Award for Best First Book