QE2 Story Forum
Introductions and Our own QE2 Stories => Officers, Crew & Worker memories => Topic started by: Rob Lightbody on Dec 02, 2009, 06:01 PM
-
John Chillingworth has sent me a number of photos to post on the forum taken by/from QE2 during the Falklands War
"Canberra, South Georgia, seen from QE2"
-
"NIGHT BEFORE SOUTH GEORGIA, ICEBERGS, NO RADAR!"
-
"QE2 AFT HELICOPTER DECK, FALKLANDS TRIP, GOING SOUTH"
-
"QE2 Bayleaf taking 4000 tonnes of fuel at 7 knots"
-
"QE2 boat deck departing for Falklands"
-
"8 to 12 watch, going back home"
-
"QE2 sails for Falklands"
-
"QE2 TRANSFERING SUPPLIES TO CANBERRA, SOUTH GEORGIA"
-
"South Georgia, sunken Argentinian submarine Sante Fe, Ed Cripps and John Chillingworth on QE2 lifeboat"
-
Stunning images - thank you John for sharing them with us.
I don't know about anyone else but I really appreciated a gentle reminder of yet another reason why she's such a special ship with such an amazing history that needs to be celebrated and allowed to continue :)
-
"8 to 12 watch, going back home"
I recognise John and the guy wearing glasses sitting on the stool next to him but cannot remember his name. I think he used to work in the Main Control Room.
Thanks John, if you're reading this thread and thanks for posting them Rob.
-
Very historic images. They do indeed send a chill down my spine...
Would John Chillingworth be prepared to tell us a bit more what it was like, what it felt like to be crew on board QE2 at the time? Two very different journeys -- the outward journey full of exercising soldiers, and then for the homeward journey there was that amazing dash back to Southampton, after the refuelling exercise in the pictures above -- the longest non stop run ever made by QE2 herself, and perhaps by any merchant navy ship ever?
We are very lucky that we did not already lose QE2 at that time...! Very lucky that we have been able to see her, years later, gleaming and looking her very best, despite the trauma she had been through...
I would love to hear some more from John if he is willing to tell his story...
-
Thank you everyone who contributed to these pictures.
-
Perhaps Myles can confirm this...Was John Chillingworth the former Cunard engineer who was onboard QE2 on the Farewell to the UK cruise who showed all the cabin cavalcade participants renderings on his laptop of the future conversion? I remember thinking that it must have been hard for him, after years of working on the ship, to be working for the new owners and not voicing any displeasure about their elaborate plans. At the time of the cruise, the removal of the funnel had been floated out in the papers to our horror.
Ken
-
Heres a short summary from that voyage.
The QE2 left Southampton on the 12th May staying overnight of the Nab Light tower.On the 18th she arrived in Sierra Leone, Freetown to take on 1867 tonnes Fuel and Water.On the 20th she arrived in the Ascension Islands were stores were transferred from the HMS Dumbarton Castle.She stayed here until the 22nd.Finally on the 27th she arrived in South Geogria.On the way back she stopped again in Ascension before arriving in Southampton on the 11th of June.During this roundtrip she steamed 14 967 miles consuming 10 287 tonnes of fuel.
Louis
-
"QE2 Bayleaf taking 4000 tonnes of fuel at 7 knots"
And also with heavy seas and a Force 7 blowing.
Louis
-
Heres a pic of her in Dry Docking after Falklands.
Note: Photos not available on the link Louis has posted
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/photo990962.htm
Louis
-
Who was the poor sod that had to untangle that ball of chain below her rudder ?? :P :D
-
More discussion of QE2 and the Falklands War here, under Service Life :
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,127.0.html
-
Heres a pic of her in Dry Docking after Falklands.
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/photo990962.htm
Louis
She certainly looked battered with all the rust streaks after her stint in the Falklands. I guess the crew was not busy painting, not that they could with the weather anyway. :P
-
Some more from John Chillingsworth:-
I attach some more photos the only reason i attach one of me is that people expected me to be an old Scotsman with a beard.
When i get chance i will list out a few aspects of the trip, like we nearly blacked out in south georgia because the 12 to 4 watch were to busy polishing the harpoon heads they picked up from the whaling station to see that they had lost the control compressed air and all the fuel valves shut.
When we were leaving southampton we had to be towed out with six tugs and was positioned off the isle of wight over night while we found out why we could not get feed water into the boilers and many other forgotten things that have happened on the ship.
Please pass on to beardy rich that i enjoyed his description of opening the boiler stop valves and his other interesting blogs and give him my best regards.
-
Perhaps Myles can confirm this...Was John Chillingworth the former Cunard engineer who was onboard QE2 on the Farewell to the UK cruise who showed all the cabin cavalcade participants renderings on his laptop of the future conversion? I remember thinking that it must have been hard for him, after years of working on the ship, to be working for the new owners and not voicing any displeasure about their elaborate plans. At the time of the cruise, the removal of the funnel had been floated out in the papers to our horror.
Ken
Ken
NO It wasnt John Chilingworth, Yes he was onboard But the cabin cavalcade extra was by someone else.
It was also when Commodore Warwick "dropped past" and the merry band of travellers set forth on their cavalcade ;D
Cheers
<broken image link removed>
-
Some more from John Chillingsworth:-
Thankyou John, once again for allowing us to see some of your photo collection. Glad to hear that you enjoyed my description of operating the boiler room valves.
-
Myles, thank you for clearing that up regarding John and thank you for posting that photo. The one my camera took was a bit out of focus.
Rob, thank John for us all for digging up the wonderful photos of QE2 in wartime service. ;)
Ken
-
I bet there aren't many of these around... a menu from 3rd June 1982. My parents got this from a good friend of the family, Bill Dart, who was Executive Chef on QE2.
-
He had a good sense of humour ;) ... I particularly like the Bayleaf Coffee!
-
What poignant images these are. Can't help wondering how the lives of every individual you see in the pictures(and of course those not in the photos but were there) were affected.
-
Served 1980-86 as a K.P.
A late turn too for me, been that I only just found sites for the major shipping companys.
Q: Anyone out there that has possible info on where one can obtain a copy of the crew list done regarding personal that went too the FALKLANDS.
And know i don't mean the one done by the writer and put up on the maiin kitchen board round the corner from the writers office regarding where staff would be working and with what military unit .
If i remember i was listed as I.C.PARATROOPERS been ex military and airborne qualified.
Regards Jon
-
Tryed this befor but know hits as yet
Has anyone infomation on ware i can obtain a list for the crew that were on the QE2 when we left UK-waters for the FALKLANDS WAR in 82 .Regards
-
Tryed this befor but know hits as yet
Has anyone infomation on ware i can obtain a list for the crew that were on the QE2 when we left UK-waters for the FALKLANDS WAR in 82 .Regards
Hi there,
You might need to wait a while before you get an answer! Many people only log in occasionally.
If you are a member of Facebook, you could also try 'The Online Wardie' - where a huge number of crew are registered.
- Rob.
-
Thank you for the info Rob, spent somtime in the Queens Grill Kictchen when i was there one of the cooks was promoted to "black trouser" staff.
If the facebook is the same one out there on the internet well im not too keen on that as there can be problems & there's too mutch info out there on me anyway!!.Regards Jon
-
I bet there aren't many of these around... a menu from 3rd June 1982. My parents got this from a good friend of the family, Bill Dart, who was Executive Chef on QE2.
Whats Billy doing now?
-
"8 to 12 watch, going back home"
Bob Cobain, Colin Dawkins, Willy Grey, Eddie Cropps are the ones I remember. Bottom right. a navigator...really nice guy, just cant remember his name.
-
Very historic images. They do indeed send a chill down my spine...
Would John Chillingworth be prepared to tell us a bit more what it was like, what it felt like to be crew on board QE2 at the time? Two very different journeys -- the outward journey full of exercising soldiers, and then for the homeward journey there was that amazing dash back to Southampton, after the refuelling exercise in the pictures above -- the longest non stop run ever made by QE2 herself, and perhaps by any merchant navy ship ever?
We are very lucky that we did not already lose QE2 at that time...! Very lucky that we have been able to see her, years later, gleaming and looking her very best, despite the trauma she had been through...
I would love to hear some more from John if he is willing to tell his story...
My experience at the beginning was: Ok lets go there and sort this thing out....To be honest we were All asked if we would go down there and there would be no repurcussions if you said no...I said yes.
As the trip progressed it became less of a "Lets go UK thing" as we had more interaction with the Seniors, we made friends, got info. The troops shot off more live ammo on the trip down than they would have in a year back in UK.
Then we found out that an Argentinian sub was missing. Problem was the subs were sold to the Argentinians from the US and the UK subs had a problem identifying them as their signatures were of allies.
Then I was told the news in confidence, that Gen Galteri had issued the order to get the QE 2 at all costs. The reason being was that UK public would take the loss of Canberra at 29 mil but not the QE2, with the name and cost. Now it becomes scary. The only armament we had on the way down was what the troops provided and that left us at South Georgia. Then when they were so desparate to get us the Argentines sent out a C-130 and pushed bombs out the ramp at the back to try and sink a ship they thought was us...MOD said time to go. Turned out to be a BP tanker.
If anyone has any questions..PM me or ask them in the forum
-
Hi all,
Seeing as it nears the Anniversary of the Falklands, i have attached letters sent by Cunard to Families of the crew that went with QE2. Enjoy the reading.
Regards
Carl
-
Fantastic Carl, thanks! I can only imagine what the families of the crew must have felt, as QE2 unexpectedly became a military ship in a danger zone.
-
Hi Guys,
I have just come across this badge in the large box of goodies my mother gave me, Does anyone know if it was just given to crew that went or was it available from souvenir shop onboard?
Regards
Carl
-
These were made for the crew by a gentleman (pax) from Philadelphia called Andy Tabas. They were not for sale. I have just been given 2 of them by my brother who recently visited. Andy also had them made for other occasions, first world cruise, 180 club in darts etc. They were given to us free!
-
You might remember this Rod. I got a copy of this menu cover from Billy Dart who very proudly showed us his Falklands medal after returning to the UK.
-
Yes I do vaguely remember it. I cant enlarge it though.
Yes I do. Managed to enlarge it. Going to try and print it to take to my Falklands reunion next month. On of our "guests" from Coventry will be there again!
-
"When i get chance i will list out a few aspects of the trip, like we nearly blacked out in south georgia because the 12 to 4 watch were to busy polishing the harpoon heads they picked up from the whaling station to see that they had lost the control compressed air and all the fuel valves shut."
Every year at the local middle school I drag MY harpoon head there to do a show and tell to the days classes as they do a history of whaling. Gets heavier every year!
-
Found this in my mailbox this morning---
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-2128733/Queen-went-war-Amazing-pictures-QE2-sailed-Falklands.html
-
Thanks Bobso
We also have some ongoing discussion on QE2 in the Falklands War in this topic board:
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,127.0.html
-
Regarding the Daily Mail article:
I thought I had posted this before but here it is again..
In the first pic saying it was the return voyage...too many army troops.
Mentions wooden planking...masonite or hardboard depending on where you are from.
Steel plating added...NO just what we were blessed with from John Browns/UCS.
Magneti coil fitted...not that also was from John Browns/UCS, called degaussing gear for use mostly in the North Sea area where there are still a lot of magnetic mines.
Pic of the "anti aircraft gun" well its actually a .50 caliber browning machine gun loaned from one of the Regiments we took down. It left the ship along with its companions at South Georgia. The platform was built by Harries Pye Marine who travelled with us.
-
The BBC Want to talk to you!
Contact admin@theqe2story.com for more information!
-
Some great replies already to the email appeal sent out earlier, I've spent the last hour or so replying and forwarding emails. Keep them coming please!
I do hope the programme gets made.
-
There is a Facebook group for Ex-QE2 crew here if you wanted to get in touch:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ex.qe2crew/
-
There is a Facebook group for Ex-QE2 crew here if you wanted to get in touch:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ex.qe2crew/
Thanks for the suggestion. As part of this, though, I'm trying to encourage the memories and stories to end up here on the forum where they'll be open to all, searchable and fully indexed by all the search engines for future researchers, unlike Facebook where memories seem to be shared for a moment, then lost.
-
More fantastic emails arriving today, I will be talking to the BBC people later, and hope that I can encourage at least some of the material to be added to the already excellent information we have here.
It would be a shame if these historic memories weren't preserved.
Sent from my phone.
-
Got an e-mail from the "Beeb" today. They want to call me up for a preliminary talk and explain the series etc!
-
Got an e-mail from the "Beeb" today. They want to call me up for a preliminary talk and explain the series etc!
That's great, Rod!
I spoke to them earlier, they're very pleased with our response so far and will be speaking to others soon.
-
That's great, Rod!
I spoke to them earlier, they're very pleased with our response so far and will be speaking to others soon.
It was good to see the fantastic response to your email Rob.
-
Do the Beeb only want to hear from the Civilian Crew during the Falklands War ?
I was one of the Royal Navy Flight Deck Firefighting Crew.
Regards,
Dave "H" Houlden.
I'm the one kneeling, wearing a white compressed wool firesuit and red T shirt underneath.
-
Welcome on board, Dave!
Now, if you had told us that you were a group of astronauts practising for a moon landing, I would have believed you (except of course for the "photographed on board" title of the picture...)...
Do tell us more -- I am not sure that I have the faintest notion of what you were doing there!
Did you return by QE2 as well -- presumably not?
Did you ever set foot on QE2 again after the Falklands run? I hope you got to see and enjoy her during more normal times...
-
Do the Beeb only want to hear from the Civilian Crew during the Falklands War ?
I was one of the Royal Navy Flight Deck Firefighting Crew.
Regards,
Dave "H" Houlden.
I'm the one kneeling, wearing a white compressed wool firesuit and red T shirt underneath.
Fantastic! And amazing that the standard on board photographic template was used even in such drastically changed circumstances. Can't wait to hear more!
-
Hello Isabelle.
The picture is of the Starboard Watch of the Flight Deck Crew for the journey South and back home again.
The gentlemen in yellow tops are the Boss in the middle, Jim Ahern to his right and Scouse ????? to his left.
The guys in brown tops are the Seaking aircraft engineers.
The three of us in white were there to put out any fires during aircraft engine start-up/shutdown, or, heaven
forbid, they crashed on landing/take-off.
There were 2 flight decks ( not 3 as has been misreported over the years ) but we had 3 helicopter spots.
I cant recall the date the photograph was taken.
There are several other photographs that I took. Including some of the QE2 crew shooting at gash bags
from the stern.
I can recall a crew bar that we were invited to. It was accessed via one of the childrens play areas.
There were 4 of us in a cabin, starboard side ( have a photo ) for the journey South and just the 2
of us on the way back.
I did several watches on the port bridge wing during the journey through the icebergs.
I watched one roll over as we passed.
We were kept busy with a variety of tasks when not at Flying Stations, including painting the underside
of the aft flight decks...being very careful not to spill paint in the swimming pool.
There was someone with an industrial hand steered power sander that was trying to keep the wooden
decks clean. Lots of blue barrels to do with making fresh water from salt water.
I wasn't invited to return to the QE2 after the war. ( That would have been nice )
I did write to CUNARD asking if they were going to marking the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands War and
was told "No".
Dave H.
-
Dave, I am interested to know, as the photo was presumably taken by QE2 staff, were the same inflated prices charged to military personnel as ordinary passengers, or did you get a discount?
-
Welcome back to the world of QE2 H.
I'm guessing you came from one of the Air Stations. Were you on the aft or the forward flight deck?
-
Dave, I am interested to know, as the photo was presumably taken by QE2 staff, were the same inflated prices charged to military personnel as ordinary passengers, or did you get a discount?
Hi Bruce
Back in 1982 the cost to passengers of a photograph taken on board was just $3.75, hardly inflated or extortionate by any standards, less than the cost of a couple of drinks at the bar. As I recall, the price to crew was $2.50 but more often than not there was no charge at all.
For the Falklands voyage there was, as far as I know, just one ships photographer on board, I had transferred to the Countess by then so don't know the details of what services were offered to the military personnel or charges involved. I am in the process of trying to track the whereabouts of the photographer who went on the trip to let him know about the BBC interest so maybe I can introduce him to the forum.
The problem in later years was that the shipping companies got very greedy (hard to believe I know) and kept demanding more and more revenue from the concessionaires. In the early 80's Cunard were taking 40% of the total revenue from the photography concession on QE2 and they were pushing hard for more. Granted we were provided with 'bed and board' as part of that deal but Cunard did quite well from it too.
I don't know what they charge for photographs these days on board ships but if it is anything like Disneyland prices then I would have to agree about the inflated prices. Just don't blame the photographers.
-
Hi Alan
We recently went with P&O where they were charging £10 for one photo so perhaps this has affected my comments. I must admit I can't remember what we paid on QE2 20 years ago. We bought several so on reflection it probably was not that bad.
-
Dave, I am interested to know, as the photo was presumably taken by QE2 staff, were the same inflated prices charged to military personnel as ordinary passengers, or did you get a discount?
I never really gave much thought to the photos being inflated, they were proper portrait photos taken by professional photographers .Look how much a wedding photographer charges for a photo at a wedding..
Now Disney on the other hand, a friend gets me in free saving $100 to the one in California and the whole place is nothing but a vast money making scam , l wonder if Walt saw it today what he would say. the photos there are expensive. and l gather Coca Cola supply them with the products if not free then at a fantastically low rate.
Off topic sorry ::)
-
Dave, I am interested to know, as the photo was presumably taken by QE2 staff, were the same inflated prices charged to military personnel as ordinary passengers, or did you get a discount?
I don't know who took the photograph.
I can barely recall our watch gathering, as we obviously did, for the photo to be taken.
Whatever price was paid for the photograph, if anything, it was well worth it.
There we no "ordinary" passengers on that particular voyage.
-
Welcome back to the world of QE2 H.
I'm guessing you came from one of the Air Stations. Were you on the aft or the forward flight deck?
No, I wasn't at an Air Station when I was drafted to the QE2.
IIRC, there was very little flying from the forard flight deck.
Except, perhaps, when both decks were used at South Georgia.
It would depend on the tasking as to which deck would be used.
Weather would be a deciding factor too.
It was a lot easier for passengers and equipment to get to and from the aft deck.
As a watch, we would be told which deck was operational, and turn to as required.
I do remember when at South Georgia, on the aft deck, someone was lashed to a
lightweight stretcher and pelted with snowballs. Not that there was much snow.
More like slush.
-
Colin Tissington has sent a couple of photos for me to post on the forum. These are attached to this message.
Thanks Colin!
-
From Eddie Cripps :-
As an Engineer our "quarters" were on the Sports Deck - I was starboard side aft.
After my 8-12 evening watch I retired early after a quick beer- we were of course on a war footing!
I was just dozing off when I heard a loud roar going quiet/loud/quiet.
I thought it was an Argentine plane doing a dummy run before he bombed us.
It was in fact the door to the Lift Machinery Room opening and closing to the motion of the ship!!!
-
A message to Colin Tissingham - regarding the top photo
Great photos, and Thank you!
The ship with the heli landing on the pad astern - Do you by any chance know the name of her?
HMS Endurance (the ice-breaker) was identified as A 171, however that was in 1992 (I think!)
Thank you
Rosie
-
That'd be the Old HMS Endurance. The RN Ice Patrol Ship at the time of the invasion, this gallant little ship fought the war all by herself, till the rest of the fleet got down there.
-
Bob Cobain, Colin Dawkins, Willy Grey, Eddie Cropps are the ones I remember. Bottom right. a navigator...really nice guy, just cant remember his name.
Paul Jowett and David P??????
-
Paul Jowett and David P??????
YES! The Engineer with glasses in the back was a Phil. we called him Birdseye?
-
YES! The Engineer with glasses in the back was a Phil. we called him Birdseye?
Bob Cobain, Colin Dawkins, Willy Grey, Eddie Cropps are the ones I remember. Bottom right. a navigator...really nice guy, just cant remember his name.
YES! The Engineer with glasses in the back was a Phil. we called him Birdseye?
Phil Avery (as in Aviary)
-
Birdcage!
-
The other navigator is David Pope, sadly he died about 3 years ago.
-
Bob Cobain, Colin Dawkins, Willy Grey, Eddie Cropps are the ones I remember. Bottom right. a navigator...really nice guy, just cant remember his name.
Paul Jowett & David Pope
-
All these names relate to in image posted by Rob on page 1 of this thread.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1287.msg14106.html#msg14106
-
All these names relate to in image posted by Rob on page 1 of this thread.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1287.msg14106.html#msg14106
Thanks, Alan, for the clarification. June
-
An interview with Captain Jackson, taken from the Christian Science Monitor on pages 1 and 2;
(there seems to be no date of the interview).
http://www.csmonitor.com/1982/0907/090739.html/%28page%29/1
-
Thank you very much, Rosie, for posting the link to the QE2/Falklands interview with Captain Jackson. It is a very, very good article !
-
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15218465058_d03a5a0ace.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pbNBsA)
Falklands war 1982 (https://flic.kr/p/pbNBsA) by Trucking Welshman (https://www.flickr.com/people/27966948@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15218540607_538156c98c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pbNZVa)
Falklands war 1982 (https://flic.kr/p/pbNZVa) by Trucking Welshman (https://www.flickr.com/people/27966948@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2944/15218390630_1fef9c9c4d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pbNekm)
Falklands war 1982 (https://flic.kr/p/pbNekm) by Trucking Welshman (https://www.flickr.com/people/27966948@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15405057195_16734d0dcd_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pthWNp)Falklands war 1982 (https://flic.kr/p/pthWNp) by Trucking Welshman (https://www.flickr.com/people/27966948@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15218462398_1645720789.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pbNAEJ)
Falklands war 1982 (https://flic.kr/p/pbNAEJ) by Trucking Welshman (https://www.flickr.com/people/27966948@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15218465058_d03a5a0ace.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pbNBsA)
Falklands war 1982 (https://flic.kr/p/pbNBsA) by Trucking Welshman (https://www.flickr.com/people/27966948@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15218554607_8349b14899_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pbP55x)
Falklands war 1982 (https://flic.kr/p/pbP55x) by Trucking Welshman (https://www.flickr.com/people/27966948@N04/), on Flickr
-
Wonderful photos, Rob ! Thank you very much for posting them. These pictures point out another reason our beloved QE2 is so awesome !
June :)
-
Couple of photos of QE2 during this time thanks to Shay Whitehead? in giving me permission to add them here
-
Heres a link to a vid I was just given:
-
Good that this video footage has survived all these years, must have brought back a lot of memories for you Rod. Really strange to see the soldier with a gun on the open bridge wing and the soldier walking up the stair with his backpack doing his exercise round the deck. Quite different to the scene when passengers are onboard.
-
Hi Rod - This is an amazing video to have received and it must indeed bring back many memories. To have this video, which can now be viewed as a documentary, is awe-inspiring ! Thank you very much for sharing it with us ! June
-
I just listened to this "Witness" story on the BBC World Service (Escape from the South Atlantic) :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03sxn17
Wonderful co-starring role of the QE2 :) .
-
Is there anybody out there who was on the Trip to S/America and The Falkland Islands in 2003?
If so, do you remember the incident in Rio when the sewage barge capsized and departure was delayed for 5/6 hours! Or the Stewardess who was 'taken ill' during the night in Montevideo and gave birth to a baby girl at about 1000!
Sadly the call into Stanley, on Sunday 11th November - Remembrance Sunday, was cancelled due to rough weather preventing tendering operations taking place. Myself, ex Royal Marine and the Chief Officer, who had been a fisheries protection officer for the FI Government, were due to lay wreaths on behalf of Cunard & QE2. Much disappointment all round that day.
-
I bet there aren't many of these around... a menu from 3rd June 1982. My parents got this from a good friend of the family, Bill Dart, who was Executive Chef on QE2.
Rupert Ballantyne has contacted us via the Admin mailbox, saying :
I have got a copy which I got signed by all the Captains of the 3 RN ships as well Captain Jackson and Captain James RN.
I think the wording of the menu was created by Vic Coward, the exec chef on the trip and Ron Kelly who was Hotel Manager.
A photo of the copy is attached below.
-
Jane Nilsen has sent the attached QE2 Crews News that was issued on 31 May 1982, to crew who were on board a the time of the Falklands conflict.
International News included updates on what was happening in the Falklands, including update on the Battle for Goose Green. There was also information on the conflict between Irag and Iran and news that Spain had become the 16 member of NATO.
Interesting to know the films that were on for crew to see, such as Gregory's Girl and the Long Good Friday.
Captain Jackson had agreed to give a lecture on Great Passengers Liners - I wonder how many crew had the opportunity to attend?
I hope this bring back memories to crew who were on the ship at the time of the Falklands. It certainly is an interesting piece of history.
-
That is an absolutely amazing snippet of this historic voyage, thanks for sharing.
-
That is an absolutely amazing snippet of this historic voyage, thanks for sharing.
It is a rather special item.
Jane had also mentioned a charity knitting scarves for Falklands Veterans. Rod may be interested in this and maybe pass on information to other veterans.
I have also sent the scan to a group I am supporting, who are knitting and crocheting scarves in the colours of the medal ribbon for veterans, widows and family members. The group’s founder was an 11 year old Falkland Islander when the invasion took place and witnessed many of the scenes described in the news sheet. She wants to let veterans know how much their valour and sacrifice meant to the Islanders. QE2 crewmembers who hold the South Atlantic medal are eligible to bid for a scarf either for themselves or could nominate someone else. The group is called Scarves for Falklands Veterans...B Rgds, Jane
Information on Facebook Scarves for Falklands Veterans page:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=scarves%20for%20falklands%20veterans
As some of you will know I am involved with a great Facebook group, Scarves for Falklands Veterans. Their aim is for crafters to make and distribute a scarf, in the colours of the Falklands campaign medal, to every Veteran, or surviving family member, who would like one in time for the 40th anniversary next year.
Here is a short explanation by the founder of the group Rachel Simons:
'For those who don't know, I'm a Falkland Islander, now living in Carlisle. In 1982 I was 11 years old. For the duration of the war I was living with my family in Stanley, main town of the Falklands. It was noisy and frightening. Making scarves and giving them to SAM holders is my way of saying thank you for returning peace and freedom'
If anyone would like to help make the scarves or knows of a Falklands Veteran who would like one please either message me or send an e-mail to
Scarf4vets@gmail.com
-
I have heard of them. But, with so many people wanting them, I am going to wait a while. Being in Florida a scarf is almost a waste.
I have seen them though and they are beautiful.
But thanks for thinking of me.
-
OH, by the way, the Ed Centre named in the newsletter was the Harrods shop.
They nhad troops that were sitting exams the day before they disembarked.
-
Can any of our forum members help?
We have received a message from Raeph Ballantyne, Senior Broadcast Camera Journalist, BBC News, who would like to contact any crew members who were onboard when the QE2 went to the Falklands. Ideally medical staff.
If you can help, he would love to hear from you and if you know of any other Falklands crew who would be willing to tell their story please pass on Raeph Ballantyne's email address: raeph.ballantyne@bbc.co.uk
-
Can any of our forum members help?
We have received a message from Raeph Ballantyne, Senior Broadcast Camera Journalist, BBC News, who would like to contact any crew members who were onboard when the QE2 went to the Falklands. Ideally medical staff.
If you can help, he would love to hear from you and if you know of any other Falklands crew who would be willing to tell their story please pass on Raeph Ballantyne's email address: raeph.ballantyne@bbc.co.uk
Thanks to everyone who has responded so far to Raeph. It would be good to hear on this topic if your are interviewed for the programme. Also remember to post your memories on the forum as it is so important to capture these memories.
-
Rupert Ballantyne has sent me photos that he took on QE2 when the ship was requisitioned for war service and converted to a troop carrying ship.
I will post more later, but seeing these made me think how many more photos are out there. If you were on QE2 sailing to the Falklands and have photos please post or send to the admin@theqe2story.com and we will post for you.
Here are the first two that show the extent that of what was cut away to construct the helicopter platform aft:
(https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/gallery/albums/userpics/10596/normal_10.jpg)
(https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/gallery/albums/userpics/10596/normal_11.jpg)
-
On 12 May 1982 QE2 set sail for the South Atlantic.
Rupert Ballantyne sent this photo, which I guess was a board at the terminal:
-
No, Lynda it was on the counter of the bank just opposite the bureau.
-
No, Lynda it was on the counter of the bank just opposite the bureau.
Thanks Rod. Did the troops embark the ship at the Midship Lobby? or were the gangways at other parts of the ship?
-
Thanks Rod. Did the troops embark the ship at the Midship Lobby? or were the gangways at other parts of the ship?
Some did. It depended on where on the ship thet were berthed.
-
https://twitter.com/battlefieldsexp/status/1524812748110057472
https://twitter.com/Jamies73/status/1524780831516110853
https://twitter.com/alastairgreener/status/1524755524494966784
https://twitter.com/Caspasian/status/1524750467338694658
https://twitter.com/FreddieKruyer/status/1524735586489278464
https://twitter.com/chrisaidmond/status/1524695841180692481
https://twitter.com/AlbionSmudge/status/1524689886279778304
https://twitter.com/Nat_Mem_Arb/status/1524666437570232320
https://twitter.com/dhblake/status/1524639466597634048
https://twitter.com/dhblake/status/1524626760477855745
https://twitter.com/FirstFalklands/status/1524620998003339264
-
I was at a Royal Marines reunion yesterday in London and met 1 of, what is believed to be, only 3 RMs to have travelled south on QE2, although he was airlifted on at Ascension Island. He was telling me about having to visit some of the RN vessels while they were there and using QE2 lifeboats, when they got one that started out of the 4 they tried!
-
https://twitter.com/Caspasian/status/1526190934416826368
-
https://twitter.com/curatorian/status/1527922146168582145
https://twitter.com/curatorian/status/1527666517609000960
-
https://twitter.com/AlastairBruce_/status/1527522934503485441
-
QE2 and the icebergs
-
QE2 pressed into service.
-
https://twitter.com/curatorian/status/1528633284208492546
-
The anti aircraft gun mounting got a lot more sophisticated than that sketch shows. They built a full raised deck underneath them both.
They were on both bridge wings.
Side note: Someone asked me about 3 weeks ago "What brought it home to you that QE2 wa really going to war?"
I had to tell him: When they started putting racks of huge pieces of timber ( 6" x 6") and piled mattresses in strategic places in the working alleyway.
-
Malcolm Scanlan who was a Senior 1st Officer on QE2 when she sailed to the Falklands has sent us a copy of his diary notes. It is fantastic to have this firsthand information from a QE2 crew member.
He has also sent his photos to be uploaded to the Gallery for us all to enjoy:
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=219
-
Malcolm Scanlan who was a Senior 1st Officer on QE2 when she sailed to the Falklands has sent us a copy of his diary notes. It is fantastic to have this firsthand information from a QE2 crew member.
He has also sent his photos to be uploaded to the Gallery for us all to enjoy:
Gosh, Imagine if he could be persuaded to give a talk about his experiences. Some amazing photos there. Thanks for sharing them .
-
Gosh, Imagine if he could be persuaded to give a talk about his experiences. Some amazing photos there. Thanks for sharing them .
If there were enough people interested in a Zoom session later in the year, we could ask Malcolm. Rupert Ballantyne was also there and he has good photos and diary memories as well.
-
If there were enough people interested in a Zoom session later in the year, we could ask Malcolm. Rupert Ballantyne was also there and he has good photos and diary memories as well.
Sounds like a great idea
-
i was on her during this time
-
i was on her during this time
Thank you for telling us. I am sure you have a lot of memories of that amazing time, and if you would like to share at some of them here, it would make for very interesting reading.
-
Brilliant picture Colint. is that the ship refuelling QE2 that can be seen in the background?
-
Lynda, I was wondering that my self.
Judging by its nearness to QE2, it has to be going for a "RAS" of going for the newspaper headlines "Passenger liner rammed by out of control naval vessel!!!
Comparing pics with the internet, it does look like one of "The Leaf" ships.
-
If there were enough people interested in a Zoom session later in the year, we could ask Malcolm. Rupert Ballantyne was also there and he has good photos and diary memories as well.
This would be great!
-
Yes Lynda - Thank you for Suggesting, I'll try and join from another broadband connection!
About the Falklands Campaign there are a significant number of video clips now on YouTube.
I also heard the Ship's Doctor reporting about being on board at that time on the radio the other day.
I'm sorry I cant find it at the moment....
-
Being cynical, after the football match they have just had, maybe they would like a rematch on grass?
https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/22/football/saudi-arabia-argentina-world-cup-upsets-spt-intl/index.html
-
Rod had sent these photos with permission to post from his friend Keith Douglas.
Keith has added this information about the pictures
While going through some boxes I haven't opened in 20+ years, when I emigrated to the US, I came across these photos of the ship that took me home from the Falklands. The small color photos were taken by my late dad in Southampton on 11th June 1982, the b&w photo taken from HMY Britannia was given to all survivors who came home on QE2 and was taken by the RN photographer onboard HMY at the time. There's a smaller photo of HMY and QE2 taken a few years later, also in Southampton. I was serving onboard HMY at this time. The large colour photo with Canberra and HMY was taken at the Battle of the Atlantic review off the North Wales coast in 1993.
A big thank-you to Keith and Rod for these pictures, which are part of QE2's history.
-
Some memories from John Chillingworth's LinkedIn Page - posted with permission - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chiefchilly_cruiseships-shipsandshipping-covid-activity-7205834938871414785-t1PU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
42 Years ago QE2 returns from the Falklands
A key event in the ship’s history 12 May 1982 she leaves Southampton after having two helicopter decks installed forward and aft, loading 3500 troops and a multitude of stores ammunition and boxes of blood.
When we left, we had to be towed out and anchor off the Isle of Wight for 20 hours as we only had one boiler on line because of a fault with the feed water system, someone had shut a secret valve!
We were in South Georgia for 40 hours transferring stores and troops to SS Canberra and a multitude of various vessels . We had to leave early, with over 350 survivors from the sunken RN ships Ardent, Coventry and Antelope, as the weather was deteriorating and we had to get through the ice field with hundreds of icebergs without radar.
In South Georgia a few of us got ashore to explore the whaling stations and the sunken submarine Sante Fe, that evening around 01.00 the engineers alarm went , the ship was about to black out as the fuel valves were shutting on the boilers , I managed to get them hand jacked open in addition to the force draught fan vanes, I then saw the automation compressed air was low and found the compressors had tripped. The 12 /4 watch were too busy in the workshop polishing the whale harpoons they had found ashore, to see the alarm in the control room.
On the way back we had to be refueled at sea, the first time a commercial vessel had been RAS ‘d.
The medical team had to look after the injured sailors and troops.
The ship arrived back in Southampton 11 June 1982
Lasting 74 days the Falkland conflict was the first military action that utilised all elements of the British Armed Forces and commercial requisitioning since World War 2.
I doubt we have the capability to be able to do such a response today, which is very concerning considering the global geopolitics.