Hi Guys,
Got to have my say on this one,
This is my reccolection of her. I started an apprentiship in Nottingham in 1979, the company was part of the Trafalger House group who at the time owned Cunard. When the Fauklands crisis hit we were on stand by, to go to Sothampton and do remedial work to strengthen the decks etc. I never made it but some of the chaps did and had a good time. very long hours worked and on a very tight dead line. She was then a National tresure, painted in dull grey and taking troops to liberate the Falklands.
When she came back, she was taken to Bremahaven and the same crew went out and did more work. The work was not completed and they sailed to New York, working 14 Hour days. Missed that one to.
Anyway, revenge, my wife and I did a East bound transatlantic crossing form New York to Southampton in July 06. That was the best Holdiday ever, just brilliant.
We left the hotel in Manhatten mid morning and the consierge hailed a Yellow cab for us, The magic started at that moment. The cabby said in the American Drawn "where to Sir" I replied the Ocen liner terminal and gave the grid refference street detials that I can no Longer remember, "no kidding man". He thought we were some rich excentric English. Ayway we got there and there she was.
Goos bumps, pride etc etc etc, those massive bows rising up form the water dwaffing every thing around, I walked along the key side at the side of her, I WAS IN HEVEAN. We went abord into the midships lobby and then had the most incredible 5 days. They crossed at 28 knots at that time and we did in inthe 5 days. We sailed out by Liberty and went into a heavy mist. We then had life boat drill and latter an Ice patrol plane flow over the ship for some time.
Regrets, yes, bloody fool me never asked to go into the engine room or bridge. I have a few quetsons, what was her maximum speed and woild it have been realistic to do a last, fast, crossing of the water before the old girl finished - who knows. I WILL BE IN Leeds on 11th November when she finally sets sail for the last time FROM Southampton. Much much to my disgust and anoyance, but the mortgause has to be paid.
A fond fairwell QE2 - Goodbuy & Good Luck - You will never be forgotton
Sea Commander