Rod - The media over here has been 'talking' about the conflict and the anniversary a fair bit recently.
I was wondering how long the notice was that You and the Crew were given about the 'trip' south?
Was there time for a bit of leave before she sailed?
Then after QE2 was back home - was there a break for you guys before the next passenger trip?
Rosie
Rosie,
I was on leave when it was announced. Was in Sainsburys as it happens. When I got home I called the Office and they said you are on the list would you go. I said yes and was put on the list. Remember they had to get enough people that said yes and would pick whom they wanted...MOD had been in the Soton office for a while I believe. Later that day got a call saying leave cancelled until further notice. Report to ship upon arrival. I did. Then it was mad chaos and confusion... Many projects, Putting in washers and dryers in every room service pantry. A/C to bits of the barn that didn't have it. All the time working round the..."Sorry you cant go in there at the moment" We were called to meetings with the Naval Party sailing with us...everyone reacted like they did this kind of thing every week! BUT it was the MOD's money so it was great. It was very long hours. They told us they would be sailing at 1600 come hell or high water...there were boiler problems...we sailed on 2...hence all the tugs...got out of sight near the IOW and finished repairs to the third...Took on helicopters after they had tested landing at various speeds..And off we went!
Had to land a crew member with spinal meningitis by helo, sent ashore with one of our nurses ...she came back with that days papers. Daily Telegraph crossword,,,have to make 50 copies...small things. The 1 deck shop became a classroom for the Army... People had to take exams.
