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Ashpan Annie

1916 – 2010

Halifax Explosion survivor

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About Ashpan Annie

Lived 1916 – 2010 (aged 94). Ashpan Annie was a Canadian, known for Halifax Explosion.

Ashpan Annie (January 25, 1916 – July 18, 2010) was the name given to Anne M. Welsh (née Liggins), a "Halifax Explosion" survivor.

At the time she was 23 months old. Her brother Edwin and mother Anne were killed in the blast, which leveled most of the north Barrington Street structure. She was blown under the kitchen stove, where the still warm ashes in the ashpan kept her alive until she was rescued by a soldier, Sgt Davies, and his dog, along with a neighbour, Mr Henneberry, who was looking for his own family who had lived nearby some 26 hours later.

Her father, Pte Edward, was a soldier who was overseas at the time. She was taken to the Pine Hill Convalescent Hospital, where she was discovered by her grandmother and aunt.

She worked as a laundry worker at a young age, married and raised her own family. Her husband, Angus Welsh, died in the 1990s.

She lived most of her life in the Hydrostone district. She died at The Berkeley, Gladstone Ridge, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Legacy Several songs have been written about her.

"Ash Pan Annie" - Samantha Gracie "Ash Pan Annie" - David Stone and Friends

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Known for
Halifax Explosion
Also known as
Anne M. Welsh, Anne M. Liggins

People in Ashpan Annie's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Ashpan Annie's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ashpan Annie?

Halifax Explosion survivor

When was Ashpan Annie born?

Ashpan Annie was born on 25 January 1916 in Halifax.

When did Ashpan Annie die?

Ashpan Annie died on 18 July 2010.

What was Ashpan Annie known for?

Ashpan Annie was known for Halifax Explosion.

What nationality was Ashpan Annie?

Ashpan Annie was Canadian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Ashpan Annie

· Wikidata: Q4805849

· DBpedia: Ashpan Annie

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ashpan Annie. https://biography.guide/ashpan-annie/

MLA: "Ashpan Annie." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ashpan-annie/.

Chicago: "Ashpan Annie." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ashpan-annie/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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