QE2 and the Falklands War

[Louis De Sousa]

Heres me in Port Stanley



Louis

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

New photo uploaded by Tim Webb here, of QE2 looking a bit worse for wear on her return to Southampton after the Falklands on 11 June 1982 :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/42117802@N06/4289298459/

[Twynkle]

Here is a link to the pool Falklands / Malvinas pool on flickr :

https://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?q=qe2&m=pool&w=11022572%40N00&z=t

Maybe there are more - including these :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/42117802@N06/4281238486
https://www.flickr.com/photos/42117802@N06/4280495765
https://www.flickr.com/photos/42117802@N06/4280495459
https://www.flickr.com/photos/42117802@N06/4280494887

Also taken by Tim Webb

[Twynkle]

From the Daily Mail
'It's the bitter truth: We couldn't send a task force to the Falklands today
By CAPTAIN MICHAEL CLAPP

....True, not all of the 1982 Task Force ships were Royal Navy vessels - there were civilians ships, too. Twenty-two belonged to the Royal Fleet Auxilary, and the Merchant Navy came up with 42 of their own, such as the Canberra, the Atlantic Conveyor and even, of course, the QE2, the Cunard liner that transported the Army's 5th Brigade the length of the Atlantic.....

Note: Link to Daily Mail not active

[richc1977]

I saw that article too, I was bored waiting in the dentists.  I don't usually read the Mail since it has appointed itself the moral arbiter of this country

There was also a column by Richard Littlejohn (one of the worst of all the moralists at the Mail)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1252133/Man-pedaloes-chaps-save-Falklands.html

Anyway, according to him "Even if we had enough soldiers back home ready to deploy, we'd have trouble getting them there. The QE2, which last time served as a troop ship, is now a floating hotel and casino in Dubai harbour."

Someone should try doing some research.

[Pat Curry]

We may not have much of a navy left but we do have a working Queen.

I'm considering placing this ad in the MOD News:
"Troop ship available for immediate vacant possession. Has had previous experience. Add-on hellideck available.  Capacity 6,000 or more.  Recent dry dock completed. Ready to sail, engines running, most things in working order (kind of). Supply your own crew for all departments. Falklands charts on board.  Contact Rob Lightbody for favourable terms and volunteer social hosts/hostesses"

[Twynkle]

This is a refelection of how one of the soldiers experienced time on QE2!
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/QE2-Turned-Troop-Carrier-Skys-Alastair-Bruce-Set-Up-Intelligence-Cell-On-The-Ship-In-1982/Article/200811215148674?lpos=UK_News_Article_Related_Content_Region_3&lid=ARTICLE_15148674_QE2_Turned_Troop_Carrier%3A_Skys_Alastair_Bruce_Set_Up_Intelligence_Cell_On_The_Ship_In_1982

Note: Link to Sky News but not to article.  Can anyone find the original article.  Thanks Lynda

[skilly56]

In Louis' photo with the list of Falklands ships, the one listed directly below QE2 (which was probably the shortest-serving ship in the campaign except for those that were sunk), the 'tev Rangatira' (built by Swann Hunter, 1971), was the longest serving ship in the campaign - she was away from Falmouth for 16 months, and, while in the Falklands, did not berth alongside a wharf anywhere during that time. She would up-anchor and steam out to sea for refuelling and to fire off a few rounds from the armament to keep the troops awake, then steam back into the anchorage to continue her job as a hostel for the troops while new barracks were being built ashore.
She was built as an overnight ferry for the NZ Interisland run, where she was operated by the NZ Union Steamship Company for 4 years, then returned to the UK after proving uneconomic to run in it's intended trade.
As an apprentice, I worked on it during the surveys/dockings in 1972-3. A very nice ship to sail on (I did, twice).
Finally broken up in May 2005, she is believed to be the last steam-turbo-electric ferry built.
Cheers
Skilly

[Twynkle]

Here's a link to the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel. It was built and named in honour of those involved with, and those who gave their lives during the Falklands campaign. It is at Pangbourne College, Reading - this is  a school that has a long association with the Royal Navy and it's good to see the Merchant Navy well represented by Captain McNaught.
https://falklands-chapel.org.uk/about-the-chapel/

[Jem]

In Louis' photo with the list of Falklands ships, the one listed directly below QE2 (which was probably the shortest-serving ship in the campaign except for those that were sunk), the 'tev Rangatira' (built by Swann Hunter, 1971), was the longest serving ship in the campaign - she was away from Falmouth for 16 months, and, while in the Falklands, did not berth alongside a wharf anywhere during that time. She would up-anchor and steam out to sea for refuelling and to fire off a few rounds from the armament to keep the troops awake, then steam back into the anchorage to continue her job as a hostel for the troops while new barracks were being built ashore.
She was built as an overnight ferry for the NZ Interisland run, where she was operated by the NZ Union Steamship Company for 4 years, then returned to the UK after proving uneconomic to run in it's intended trade.
As an apprentice, I worked on it during the surveys/dockings in 1972-3. A very nice ship to sail on (I did, twice).
Finally broken up in May 2005, she is believed to be the last steam-turbo-electric ferry built.
Cheers
Skilly

Found this site, she was a lovely looking vessel
http://www.bluestarline.org/rangatira.html

[Jem]

Here's a link to the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel. It was built and named in honour of those involved with, and those who gave their lives during the Falklands campaign. It is at Pangbourne College, Reading - this is  a school that has a long association with the Royal Navy and it's good to see the Merchant Navy well represented by Captain McNaught.
https://falklands-chapel.org.uk/about-the-chapel/

Rosie, reading that news letter really brings home to you how the conflict has effected and continues to effect those people who were in or associated with the conflict. For most of us it was a huge news item at the time. These people still live with the conflict 28 years later, amazing....

[skilly56]

Hi Jem,

Rangatira had the correct coloured funnel to be a Cunard ship, as well as the looks!
Cheers
Skilly

[pete cain]

Some more info' regarding the  Falklands conflict I've just come across,          from steward Ted Worsley.    "as they were sailing north and the (Falkland) islands were being retaken, BBC broadcasts received on the ship listed the names of men killed in action. As Ted walked along the cabin corridors he occasionally saw some of those same names, as though tombstones, still lettered neatly on the hardboard flooring outside the cabin doors.
    Ted rembered their faces well, these absurdly young, brave soldiers  - "my passengers" he called them - who had flocked onboard in such high spirits bound for their Falkland adventure."   P103.  'TRIBUTE TO A QUEEN  John Maxtone Graham.

[cunardqueen]

THE QUEEN IS CALLED UP.... 12 MAY 1982

[Stowaway2k]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7723169.stm

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