LEWISPORTE -
While the Hann's Point explosion took place 68 years ago on June 25, 1942, there is still a veil of mystery surrounding that fateful day that intrigues people to want to learn more.
It was just before noon on June 25, 1942 when 1,600-1,800 pounds of dynamite exploded at Hann's Point in Lewisporte, one of the local military unit installations that included Wiseman's Head, Philip's Head and Botwood. A total of five men lost their lives, with another 18 injured in the blast.
Barry Porter of By the Bay Museum has always had an interest in exploring the events of that June day (see Filling In The Blanks on page 3A). Last week he got a surprise when a package arrived for him containing over 60 pages of a WWII War Diary (or Intelligence Summary) of the time just before, during and after the explosion.
The document, from the National Defence War Diaries in Ottawa, was sent to Mr. Porter by John Sinclair of Fredericton, New Brunswick. Mr. Sinclair's father, Major Alexander Sinclair, was the Officer Commanding with the 107th Coast Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery in June of 1942. Mr. Sinclair has been corresponding with Mr. Porter for the past two years with both men sharing information on similar areas of interest pertaining to the military presence that existed in Lewisporte over 65 years ago.
"I was not expecting this at all," said Mr. Porter, who immediately began pouring over the pages of the document. "I'm just tickled to death with this, especially with the 68th anniversary of the explosion so close.
"I sent in a piece for Filling In The Blanks this week (for publication in the Pilot) pertaining to Hann's Point and this is one blank that has a lot filled in before I even get a chance to have it go in the paper."
The War Diary is a daily log of events that took place at the local military installations related to every day things like freight, weather and travel to things of a serious nature such as possible sabotage of a power station and the Hann's Point explosion.Relay raises $27,000 Going through the War Diary Mr. Porter read things like on May 27 a shipment of 10,000 cigarettes to be distributed to soldiers; ordering more oil heaters on May 28 due to cold weather; the officers spending an evening with local physician Dr. Knapp (who happened to be German); the June 2 training for bayonets and Thompson sub machine guns and a church parade on June 7.
Mr. Porter also noted from the June 7 War Diary entry that someone had tried to sabotage the local power station (situated where the Town of Lewisporte Garage is currently located). The structure was set on fire. The finding of an investigation was that a dissatisfied or discharged workman might have been responsible in the incident. An extra guard was placed there and all guards were told to be vigilant.
Then on June 16 a report of a strange character was delivered from Salt Pond (what is now known as Embree). The report was investigated and determined to be "rumoured without base".
"There has always been talks of spies around here," said Mr. Porter. "There were two confirmed sightings of subs and several unconfirmed."
Mr. Porter wonders aloud if these events weren't somehow connected to possible sabotage that resulted in the Hann's Point explosion, even though an investigation determined the explosion to have been an accident.
There's no doubt in anyone's mind that Hann's Point and the other locations within the unit of 107th Heavy Battery were part of the war effort. On June 18 the War Diary detailed how 3.7 inch anti-aircraft guns were being installed throughout the area in locations that included Brown's Arm Road, the oil tanks, the government wharf entrance and the farthest end of the same wharf and another at each end of the coastal artillery position.
Also noted was the fact that all positions would be given listings of plane types and movements 24 hours in advance in order that they may be free to shoot down any unannounced planes.
The days leading up to the June 25 explosion were without incident. Following are the actual entries from the day of the explosion up to June 30, 1942:
25-6-42 Warm and fine. At approximately 1100 hours all the dynamite in the camp exploded, the amount as far as can be ascertained being between 1600 lbs and 1500 lbs. Four fatalities resulted almost instantly and many lesser injuries were sustained. The cause of the explosion is not known. Lt-Col McKenzie arrived by plane with doctors and nurses after Major Sinclair had notified Botwood Area Headquarters by railway telegraph. Our own communication lines were all broken. More doctors arrived by duty boat with medical supplies. Dr. Knapp, the Lewisporte doctor did fine work right from the start. Thirty bell tents in the encampment, occupied by the Algonquin Regiment personnel, the quartermaster, marquee and a mess marquee were blown to bits. A number of rifles were blown apart. The southwest wall of the temporary Orderly Room is completely blown off and the roof wrecked. Two Typewriters are wrecked. The crater created by the explosion is 20 ft in diameter and 5 feet deep.
26-6-42 Wet and cold. Funeral in the morning. L/Bdr. Walker J.F. and Gunner Bennet G.G were buried with full military honours. The Parade was combined Algonquin and Artillery. In the afternoon work started clean away the debris. Several of the causalities are in a very critical condition.
27-6-42 Wet and cold. Gunner Meisner B.H died this morning very early. Funeral was held this afternoon with full military honours. Parade consisted of Algonquin and Artillery. Nurses, doctors and supplies from St. John's arrived early this morning. They passed right by Notre Dame Junction and got off at Bishops Falls. The conductor forgot to awake them. A Court of Inquiry is being convened today to inquire into the disaster. An oxygen tent has been brought from Botwood on the duty boat. Padre returned to Botwood on the return trip. The R.C. Fatalities are being buried in Botwood. The town people have been wonderful. From the first they have done everything in their power for our comfort and aid. They have supplied sheets, bedding and even flowers for the dead.
28-6-42 Fine and bright. Major Morgan, Captain Mason and Lieutenant Sinton formed the Court of Inquiry. Mr. Miller of Cape Co is present. Two patient(s) are being taken to St. John's via plane this morning. The remainder to go by train tonight. All the doctors and nursing sisters also leave tonight. No Parades today, all personnel allowed to rest. They have all done wonderful work during the whole period of disaster and are all tired out. Morale is surprisingly high.
29-6-42 Wet and dull, cleared during the afternoon. Work progressing quickly in cleaning up operations. Two carloads of supplies arrived today and arrangement(s) are bring made to bring them over. Marquees are being set up for storage. Barrack room equipment will be put into immediate use. A great number of orderly room records and materials have been destroyed in the explosion. News of the disaster has been broadcast, giving enough details to put the families of all personnel in a panic. We permitted the sending of censored telegrams stating only the personal welfare of the senders.
30-6-42 Showers, cool and changeable. Lieut-Col McKenzie arrived this morning. The guns were reported in action at 0815 hours this morning. We now undertake operational role. The infantry have taken over duties on the infantry camp and R.C.A.S.C Depot. Through deaths, casualties and detention our(s) is eighty all ranks, while our establishment is one hundred and one. Captain Keefe is going to Botwood with the Colonel for a few days.
Mr. Porter plans to display the entire War Diary from Mr. Sinclair at By The Bay Museum in the near future. Right now he is pouring over it to examine the details contained in the document. He still welcomes anyone with photos, letters, telegraphs or artifacts pertaining to Hann's Point, WWI or WWII to contact him about loaning these items to the By The Bay Museum.
Small world
During the interview with the Pilot Mr. Porter came across a War Diary entry that he has a personal connection to. In an entry from Sept. 9, 1942 it was noted, "Mrs. Porter of Porterville has seen lights on Thwart Island several times at night, at a position quite far removed from the place where lumbering operations are being carried out."
"That's my Nan Porter - Sarah," Mr. Porter said in surprise. "I remember her talking about those lights and here it is in the War Diary."
That discovery is just one of many interesting entries that people can discover for themselves when they read the War Diary pages for themselves when it goes on display at By The Bay Museum.
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