Hostel KnightsofColumbus

Knights of Columbus Hostel Fire

Calgary Herald December 16 1942

The Knights of Columbus Hostel fire was a structure fire that occurred on December 12, 1942, in St. John's, Newfoundland in a hostel operated by the Knights of Columbus, a Roman Catholic fraternal organization. A total of 99 people were killed, 80 of whom were military personnel. 109 others were critically wounded.

Taking place during World War II, the fire is believed by many to have been an incident of enemy sabotage orchestrated by agents of Nazi Germany.

The area was a centre of military personnel and activities, including soldiers, sailors, and air forces. Within a few weeks, other suspicious fires or their makings occurred in St. John's that winter, at sites frequented by military personnel. Wikipedia

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