An enormous crowd surrounded the Union Station long before the train arrived, those who were unable to gain admission crowding the streets outside and lining the sidewalks along Front Street. The platforms swarmed with hundreds of friends of the returning Salvationists and others, the Army uniform dotting the crowd here and there.
When the train drew up a feeble cheer, dying almost as soon as it began, was heard, and then a hush fell on all, unbroken till the first survivor appeared on the steps. One by one the little band stepped down, to be instantly surrounded by friends and relatives.
The meeting was a profoundly touching one. Hardly a word was spoken, for the sight of familiar faces revived too keenly the memory of those who stood on the same spot but a few days before. Little groups of Army girls moved about, many of them weeping silently.
Just before the survivors walked out, the crowd parted to make way for the truck bearing a dead body. As it passed out the entire body of Salvationists uncovered and sang the hymn, “O God, our help in ages past.” The effect on the listening spectators was marked by the hush which followed.
Several automobiles were in waiting outside and the survivors were quickly placed in these and driven off.
ENSIGN PUGMIRE’S STORY
Ensign Pugmire, connected with the financial department in Toronto, calmly told the tale of his survival to the tearful friends who asked for last tidings of their beloved Commissioner Rees. In describing his impressions more in detail, Ensign Pugmire said that there was no shock at the time of the collision.
“I heard a grazing sound as if we were touching a berg,” he said, “and as the sound continued I went up on deck, curious to see what was wrong. I never got back to my cabin. The life-belts were all there. The ship was already listing over dangerously. It was all the work of a moment.
“Yes, there were a number of passengers on deck with me at the time, but when I looked over my shoulder as I grabbed the rail, I could see the gangways jammed with people. I passed Major Simcoe’s berth going up and asked her if she was not coming. She told me to leave her and find out what the matter was. Her body was among the first picked up on shore.
“Shouting? None at all. Every one was orderly and quiet. No one had time to realize what was going on. We could not launch the boats because we could hardly stand up, so heavy did the list become. We had to take the side, and only the swimmers like myself are left of those who went over with me.