Some of The QE2 Anniversaries!

[Malcolm]

March 4th, 2008 - QE2's first and last call at Albany, Australia.

It is incredible to think that I was actually on that ship then. Thank you for the video of her arriving - I didn't hear the cannons at the time - I was probably too busy having breakfast!

[Bob C.]

07 May 1969 - QE2's maiden Arrival in New York.  Check out the B&W photo on Rob's website (second picture down).  She is a thing of beauty.  It would be just 99 more days until I stepped aboard for the first time.

http://www.roblightbody.com/liners/qe-2/1969_POBI/

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

May 13 2002

Cunard confirms that QE2 will be removed from transatlantic service in April 2004, and will be deployed on itinerary based voyages out of Southampton. Queen Mary 2 will assume the role of Cunard’s transatlantic carrier.

That quote is from today's :
http://wearecunard.com/2009/05/cunard-stars/

I sometimes wonder whether the sale of Caronia (she left Cunard service in November 2004, if I remember well), together with the launch of QM2 that same year, spelt QE2's doom... QE2 left the North Atlantic and took over cruising from Caronia... and she continued doing that until qV appeared.

Now that I have written all this and am rereading it, there is actually no need to wonder...... 

At the time (2004), we saw the immediate outcome only. We saw QE2 leaving the Atlantic and were so pleased to have her in Southampton and to be able to enjoy cruises on her almost every year... and of course, for a while, we had lovely times... enjoying just that !

[Bob C.]

World Ship Society of New York website has some good photos of this 40th anniversary date. 

http://www.worldshipny.com/qe2mv09.html

[Twynkle]

Thank you for the link above!
The World Ship Society of New York site kept me going during QE2's Final Voyage
 

[Chris]

9th May 1975: Maiden call at Bremerhaven, Germany

Little did they realise that Bremerhaven would become such an important port for QE2. The work done at that yard significantly lengthened her lifespan.

[cunardqueen]

May 12th 1982 QE2 set sail to join the Falkland conflict.

[Twynkle]

Thanks for the reminder, Myles.

Just noticed too that she went with 3,000 troops and 650 Crew volunteers.
Brave people.

[Twynkle]

24th May 1997:  Maiden call at Corfu, Greece

[Bob C.]

I have to correct you, Rosie.  The 24th anniversary of QE2's keel laying will be next month on 05 July.  I love the story about the cranes almost lifted themselves rather than the lifting the keel section into positiion.  The keel section was finally moved into position a few days.

[Louis De Sousa]

4th September 1995: Maiden call at Invergordon,Scotland.

5th September 1995: Maiden call at Newcastle,England.

[Twynkle]

I have to correct you, Rosie.  The 24th anniversary of QE2's keel laying will be next month on 05 July.

Interesting, the point that you have made there, Bob!

There are several references to several dates relating to her keel. Each denoting different stages of its construction!
I mentioned the 'laying' of her keel in relation the 5th June, this being the first date mentioned in my QE2 reference books!
(Hoping, as Rob mentioned, to maintain a QE2 history in contemporary and chronological order!!)

For example - The Keel laying Ceremony took place on 2.7. 1967
                    The Keel was actually hoisted into place on the 5.7.1967
It feels a bit too soon for these at the moment!

[Bob C.]

There are several references to several dates relating to her keel. Each denoting different stages of its construction!
I mentioned the 'laying' of her keel in relation the 5th June, this being the first date mentioned in my QE2 reference books!
(Hoping, as Rob mentioned, to maintain a QE2 history in contemporary and chronological order!!)

For example - The Keel laying Ceremony took place on 2.7. 1967
                    The Keel was actually hoisted into place on the 5.7.1967
It feels a bit too soon for these at the moment!

I did not think about the actual assembly of the keel section.  I remember follwing QM2's construction and her first steel cut (ceremonially by Pamela Conover) followed by her keel laying on 04 July that same year - almost 37 years to the day of QE2's! - so there are more dates out there than I may be aware of.  The point being that I don't know when the QE2's first steel was cut or the welder's torch started to connect the plates to form the keel section - thanks for pointing that out.

What book do you have that references 05 June?  I might like to add that to my collection.  Thanks!!!

[Twynkle]

Bob,

You will find the details under the 'Books about the QE2' thread  (Passenger and Enthusiasts' Memories)   

https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,74.0.html

 'QE2 Forever - A Pictorial Tribute and a Perpetual Diary' - Marc-Antoine Bombail 2007.
- this isn't a 'technical' book!

[cunardqueen]

1th August 1998 Maiden call at Kirkwall,Orkney Island

And as an Orcadian it was of special interest to me, alas l had moved away
But here was the programme for that day
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