QE2 and the Falklands War

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Starting this thread as a repository for this article, and the probability of many memories and more articles :

http://www.falklandnews.com/public/story.cfm?get=5297&source=3

I'd also be interested to read what you may be thinking about this rather different period of QE2's life...

[Andy F]

I recall seeing her in Southampton being converted with the aft terracing cut away to be replaced by pre-fabricated helo decks and again upon her return, in the KGV drydock being refitted prior to her return to service.  Who can also forget that hideous and thankfully short lived post Falklands pebble grey hull colour.  I guess the only good thing to come of that was the introduction of the traditional red Cunard funnel. 

As for her war service, while she may not have been as exposed as Canberra and other requisitioned merchant vessels, she nevertheless served her country with pride and deservedly earned her battle honour.

[Mauretania1907]

O Canberra was SO RUDE, steaming up the Solent (am I right) on her return, showing amongst other messages "Canberra cruises where QE2 refuses." part of rivalry between P&O and Cunard.
I can just imagine Q Victoria and Queen (tin lizzie) Elizabeth going to the Falklands with troops (as they are American owned, they wouldn't) I have a book called Merchant Ships at War by Capt Roger Villar which tells what was done to outfit merchant ships for war. Things were just hacked off!!! The Falklands was the catalyst for me think I had better sample the QE2 and the Canberra before they were gone. Thank heavens they both came back for me to enjoy!

[Rob Lightbody]

The current cunard ships fly the british red ensign... I don't think the owners have any choice if the government wants to use them. Why they'd want to use a cruise ship i can't imagine though!

[Andy F]

Rob's right as any ship with a UK port of registry can be commandeered by the Government in time of war if needed.  In the unlikely event Britain were to face another Falkands type situation requiring large scale maritime forces then it is entirely feasible that both QM2 and QV could be taken up in the same way as their illustrious predecessors and used in a troop carrying capacity.  I say unlikely because it is doubtful there would be sufficient RN capability available to mount another campaign of the magnitude seen in '82 but yes, it's entirely possible should the need arise. 

With regard to Canberra's much publicised dig at QE2, although light hearted there was however more than an element of truth in the comment.  While QE2 remained in relatve safe waters well away from immediate danger, the 'Great White Whale' (as Canberra was affectionally known), was in contrast, very much in the thick of things, spending time in San Carlos Water (or 'Bomb Alley' as it came to be known for obvious reasons). It's widely believed that QE2 was kept away as any attack upon her would have been a huge coup for the Argentinian forces, not only because she was a British ship and a prestigious one at that, but because of her being named after the Sovereign (even though we know that's not strictly correct). 

That's not to suggest QE2 was totally immune from risk for that was certainly not the case but it is true to say that she was clearly not exposed to the same extent as her rival. Irrespective of that however, both ships returned safely home having played their part with distinction and served their Country with pride, just as QM2 and QV would if called upon.  Let us hope they will never need to do so. 

[Mauretania1907]

I have photos of both Canberra's and QE2's "honour boards," presented to them after the Falklands. Did any other ship receive these? I know both St Helena and Uganda served in the Falklands War. Canberra also had a map of the Falklands above her bridge windows. When on board, and during a bridge visit, I asked one of Canberra's officers was it a map of the Falklands and he said yes it was.
O, so they have given her a gong, I said and his eyes lighted up with pleasure.
I bet he told his shipmates that I'd noticed Canberra's medal. I often wonder what became of it.

[cap0557]

Further interesting article about the requisitioning and immediate preparation activities...

http://www.teamportsmouth.com/Mem-DaveHutchings.html

[Beyondships]

One reason that QE2 did not participate in the landings was that because of her size and lack of maneuverability, she was ill-suited for going into confined waters.  Canberra was, of course, smaller.

I did an article based upon Trevor Lane's experiences as navigator on Canberra during the war.  He is now, of course, second in command on QM2.  The article is posted at: http://beyondships.com/PO-Canberra-Falklands.html

I also did an article focusing on QE2's particpation based upon some interviews with Cunard and various miliatry people.  It is posted at:  http://beyondships.com/QE2-Falklands-1.html   

[cap0557]

Very interesting and well written articles.

Thanks

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

There are excellent photos from John Chillingworth to be found under Crew and Worker Memories, here :

http://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1287.0.html

Louis wrote this :

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.

I was struck in this summary by the role of the Ascension Islands. Captain Ronald W Warwick in his book mentions the islands both on the outward and the homeward journey -- but when returning from South Georgia, the QE2 did not stop in the Ascension Islands except to rendezvous with HMS Dumbarton Castle, to disembark six survivors of a helicopter crash as well as twenty-five tons of ammunition. It is right therefore to celebrate the homeward voyage of QE2 from South Georgia as follows :

her return journey from the Falklands campaign in 1982 remains the longest non-stop passage of any British Merchant ship

http://www.theqe2story.com/features/Scan10034.JPG

If one looks at a world map, it is amazing to realise how far she can travel without refuelling!

http://www.naval-history.net/F50weektenTF.htm

[Blue Bombay]

I was struck in this summary by the role of the Ascension Islands. Captain Ronald W Warwick in his book mentions the islands both on the outward and the homeward journey -- but when returning from South Georgia, the QE2 did not stop in the Ascension Islands except to rendezvous with HMS Dumbarton Castle, to disembark six survivors of a helicopter crash as well as twenty-five tons of ammunition. It is right therefore to celebrate the homeward voyage of QE2 from South Georgia as follows :

The stay in Ascension on the way home was only about 3-4 hours.

Louis

[Twynkle]

The Falklands conflict:  HMS Sheffield and QE2 returning to Southampton

QE2 is 21 minutes into the clip - News Reports that are exceptionally moving

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH2mVe5jicg" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH2mVe5jicg</a>
Thanks to leighammanor - Video =56 mins
Includes - Argentine POWs from Darwin and Goose Green, loss of HMS Sheffield, Captain Sam Salt, Sir Lancelot, Queen Elizabeth 2 returns, HMS Ardent, San Carlos beach head, Goose Green Field Hospital, Surgeon ...

This is also a particularly good, accurate historical record of the Falklands conflict   

[jdl]

I'd also heard a couple of stories relating to the Falkands trip - firstly due to a problem with her turbines/boilers the QE2 sailed slowly and elegantly down Southampton water and then was docked out of Southampton to allow repairs (possibly in Cherbourg?).

Also the massive strain that the trip to the South Atlantic brought on the powerplant meant that the need for re-engining project was brought forward.

More knowledgable forum members, especially Rob with his unique connection to the original powerplant will be able to confirm and expand on the above!!

jdl

[Twynkle]

Slides - QE2 -The Falklands war troop ship

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPDvtItSsMw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPDvtItSsMw</a>

Comment 'Nice and fast,only ship we could have done it with....Escorts could not live with her....28-29knots,sustained.'
Thanks to NAIAD for making the video

[andy liney]

[andy liney]

In liight of another recent thread about use of "RMS", I also note that this is used on the above commemmorative plaque.

[Blue Bombay]

Heres me with that plague.



And 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 :

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

[Twynkle]

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

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

Maybe there are more - including these :

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

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1252149/Its-bitter-truth-We-send-task-force-Falklands-today.html#ixzz0fy5hP225

[Richard Coltman]

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.

[Queet-two]

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

[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.
http://www.falklands-chapel.org.uk/news-2010-singles.pdf

[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.
http://www.falklands-chapel.org.uk/news-2010-singles.pdf

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







Not the normal passengers, then again, it wasnt a normal cruise....

[Stowaway2k]

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

.

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

There's a photo of some of the Falklands crew here :

http://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,985.msg24989.html#msg24989

Thinking about this amazing voyage again, with the ship so crammed with soldiers, I wonder were the barriers between crew spaces and passenger spaces maintained as usual, or were the soldiers freely allowed into crew accommodation and leisure facilities?

Did the officers dine in the Queen's Grill?