Aftershock

Janet Maybee

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ISBN: 9781771083447

Aftershock

The Halifax Explosion and the Persecution of Pilot Francis Mackey

  Author:   Janet Maybee    
  Publisher:  Nimbus Publishing

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.

Details and Specs
ISBN associated with this title: 9781771083447
Item NB1179
PublisherNimbus Publishing
PublisherNimbus Publishing
Published on October 9 2015
Language eng
Pages 168
Format Paperback
Dimensions9(in) x 6.5(in)
Shipping weight293(g)
Status ACTIVE TITLE
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 focused 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.

Award Winners & Nominees


Robbie Robertson Dartmouth Book Award (Non-fiction)

Shortlisted Atlantic Book Awards, John and Margaret Savage Award for Best First Book