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.

YMCA Building, Halifax, 1917

The YMCA building in the Halifax Dockyard was one of many structures destroyed by the Halifax Explosion.

Considered a sturdy building, the recently constructed YMCA was a place for leisure and relaxation for Allied and Canadian sailors. The proximity of the exploding SS Mont Blanc to the naval dockyards resulted in widespread damage to naval facilities as well as to the city itself.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20080060-001_8c