John Chillingworth: Chief Engineer 1988 to 1989 (Diesel Electric)

[Lynda Bradford]

Profile:  John Chillingworth
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Thank-you to John for providing the following information to add to his profile

Background:

The early years 1954:
My Father was an Engineer with Cunard he was standing by the building of Saxonia and Ivernia at Clydebank. I was staying in Glasgow with my mother staying at the Merchant Navy Officers club where I learnt to walk.

1957 sailed to New York on Saxonia and came back on Carinthia.

1961 sailed to New York on Sylvania, I was  9 years old, however I knew my way around the ship as I used to visit her in Liverpool when my Father was in between trips. During the trip I would get up at 5am and wander the ship starting off on the bridge and then going to the Radio room for a cup of tea and play with the morse keys. The return trip was on a hot Queen Mary leaving New York in August. We saw Queen Elizabeth mid Atlantic going the other way to New York.

Navy Career

Leading up to joining QE2:
In 1969 I became an Engineer cadet with Cunard at the age of 16 and attended Riversdale college in Liverpool.
In July 1971 I joined a very hot Franconia in Bermuda had a great time but the Engine room was stinking hot.
In November 1971 joined QE2 with fellow cadet Rod Fair and had an absolute ball for 9 months before going back to college for the final year

Being an Engineer on QE2
In September 1973 I came out of my apprenticeship and became a 5th Engineer and for the next 6 years spent most of my time in the Boiler room and then on to the turbine control room and then Main Control Room.
In 1981 became Second Engineer in Charge of the watch
1982 became the first ship services manager
1984 became Chief Engineer QE2 at the age of 31
1987 went to Cunard Princess for a rest
1988 came back to a Diesel Electric QE2 as Chief Engineer

Going Ashore
1989 became Technical Manager based in New York for Sagafjord, Vistafjord, Sea Goddess 1 and 2.
1990 also did the dry docking of Cunard Princess in Malta.
1991 Left Cunard to become Vice President of Seascape Cruises out of Miami, where I first met Captain Bill Cooper.

My Brother Timothy also sailed on QE2 and was Deputy Chief on QE. He is currently on Ventura.
After doing many things and living in the states I went to Dubai as General Manager to develop the QE2 into a floating Hotel

QE2 Hotel

2010-2014  realised Dubai was in Financial trouble and tried to get the QE2 for London. Even though Dubai World was interested in our proposal  and the support from London and Investors. A well connected Individual in Dubai blocked the project by putting out an unauthorised press release stating the ship was staying in Dubai. 

Media:
Express article interview John on QE2 London bid

The QE2 Story topics mentioning John Chillingworth
Falklands War/Falklands Conflict (photos from John)
pics of QE2 memorabilia (copy of letter from John to his engineering team 1986)

Information about the Chief engineer's topic boards:
To keep the profiles in chronological order, the profiles are locked.
If you can contribute any information please post in the Chief Engineers of QE2 topic or contact us at admin@theqe2story.com


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