The Halifax VE Day Riots, 7-8 May 1945
The population of Halifax nearly doubled during the war as service personnel poured into
the port city by the tens of thousands. Many of the
military resented the overcrowding and strained facilities, and the
way they believed themselves ignored by Halifax's permanent
residents. Bad feelings, combined with the poor preparations of
military and local authorities for , turned spontaneous
celebrations into a rampage. Liquor stores and restaurants had been
closed so that everyone could enjoy the holiday, leading thousands
of sailors and soldiers, along with many civilians, to "liberate"
liquor and beer on a big scale. This in turn fuelled large-scale
vandalism and looting, both in Halifax and next-door Dartmouth. 564
businesses suffered damage and 207 shops were looted. Three rioters
died. Some of the rioters received lengthy prison sentences from the
local criminal courts, but most sentences were later reduced. A
federal inquiry later blamed the navy for poor discipline of its
personnel. The navy's top officer on the east coast was fired.
Related Newspaper Articles
- When to Celebrate, Halifax Problem
The Globe and Mail, 21/09/1944
- Two Are Dead, Shops Looted, Liquor Stolen
The Globe and Mail, 09/05/1945
- Cause Of Riots In Halifax Traced To Strains Of War
The Hamilton Spectator, 12/05/1945
- One Phase Led by Naval Men
The Hamilton Spectator, 18/05/1945
- Halifax Too War Conscious To Play the Genial Host
The Globe And Mail, 22/05/1945
- Who's Really to Blame for the Halifax Riot?
Saturday Night, 25/05/1945
- Navy's Laxity Blamed In Commission Report For Halifax VE Riots
The Globe And Mail, 18/08/1945
- 12 of 16 Rioters, Freed After VE-Day Review
The Globe And Mail, 05/10/1945
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