Bedford Magazine Explosion, Military munitions site in Bedford Basin, Canada
The Bedford Magazine was an ammunition storage facility on the eastern shore of Bedford Basin with multiple storage areas and a naval jetty complex. The installation served as a key logistics point for regional naval operations.
The facility was established as an ammunition depot during the Second World War and operated until 1945. In July 1945, a fire triggered a chain reaction of explosions that caused widespread destruction.
The explosion shifted how the military and local population worked together, with naval personnel actively joining firefighting efforts. This cooperation demonstrated a sense of shared responsibility during the crisis.
The site can be seen from the water when traveling along the shoreline, but direct access to the grounds is not open to the public. Learning more about the incident at nearby museums provides additional context and historical details.
Only one person died during the emergency: Patrolman Henry Raymond Craig, who moved toward the fire to assist with rescue efforts. His actions were later recognized in local accounts of the disaster.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
