Aftershock: The Halifax Explosion and the Persecution of Pilot Francis Mackey

by Janet Maybee

One of the greatest maritime disasters in history is reexamined in light of new evidence in this revealing chronicle of the 1917 Halifax explosion.   On December 6, 1917, harbor pilot Francis Mackey was guiding the SS Mont Blanc, a French munitions ship, into Bedford Basin to join a convoy across the Atlantic when it was rammed by the Belgian Relief vessel SS Imo. The resulting massive explosion destroyed Halifax's north end and left at least two thousand people dead, including pilot William Hayes aboard Imo. The tragedy left the country in shock—and looking for someone 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 culpability, and the unjust, deliberate persecution that followed for Mackey and his family.

Genres: Canada, Nonfiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2015

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not another rehash of the Halifax Explosion, but rather an argument for the exoneration of Francis Mackay who was the marine pilot aboard the Mont Blanc the morning of the explosion. One of the theories for blaming Mackay for the accident was he survived. The captain and the pilot aboard the Imo both died in the explosion so they couldn't be questioned. Another theory for blaming Mackay was that Ottawa didn't want to take any responsibility for it's actions (or inactions). There also seemed to be a few officials who had no interest in returning Mackay's licence even though he had been found innocent by the Supreme Court and the Privy Council. Unfortunately much of the court of public opinion was against Mackay because they wanted someone to blame. In the end he got his licence back after four years but the stigma affected him and his family for many years afterwards/

[Jim Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different perspective on the Halifax explosion, and one written to clear Pilot Mackey's besmirched name once and for all. I really enjoyed reading this book, since it looked at the Explosion from a different angle and it centers, not so much on the tragic incident itself, but on the major characters involved and the backroom politics in Ottawa that kept the cloud of guilt hanging over Mackey's head long after several courts had cleared him of any wrongdoing. Highly recommend based on the authoritative research done by Ms. Maybee and her logical presentation of the facts surrounding Pilot Francis Mackey and the Halifax Explosion.

[ATLANTIC BOOK REVIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This account of the Halifax Explosion of 1917 brought to light many facts, and sadly fictions, that have surrounded an aspect of that fateful day that I had never considered.

An important book for research purposes, but also for historical records that have never before been publicly known. Well researched. Hearing from Pilot Francis Mackey's own daughter was a moving experience. How politics played a part in the vilification of her father and the personal impact that had on him and her family was saddening.

Glad to have read this book.

[Peggy Walt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, and congrats to Janet Maybee on her recent Atlantic Book Awards win!

[Deidra Witschorke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read while returning on the ferry from NS. Excellent historical information and insight into this disaster and the response. Highly recommend.