QE2 Final day in Southampton and final departure (11/11/2008)

[June Ingram]

Looking forward to it, Peter !   

[Thomas Hypher]

Looking forward to it, Peter !   

Likewise 

[Peter Mugridge]

It may take a while, but I will get round to it one day.

[Lynda Bradford]

On 11 November 2008 QE2 was to dock in Southampton for the last time, but not before creating early morning news when she hit a sandbank approaching Southampton waters.

Forum member Cunarder Man, onboard a Blue Funnel vessel, witnessed this and was able to give a first hand account to BBC

He has recounted his story for The QE2 Story:

 

I probably did not get much sleep in anticipation of heading out to welcome my favourite liner into Southampton for the last time. There was no need for an alarm as I was on an adrenaline rush with excitement. I set off from the Holiday Inn Hotel to Ocean Village, it was cold, dark and wet. Surprisingly, the Ocean Scene, a Blue Funnel vessel, wasn’t busy and around 5 am we cast off and headed into the darkness of the Solent. I recall the Shieldhall making steam and passengers boarding in anticipation of their excursion to greet QE2.

I fully expected QE2 to be early into port that morning and I was somewhat surprised that she wasn’t visible by the time we reached Fawley. However, soon after that we slowed and the Captain announced that he had received information from Harbour Control that we were to proceed no further until given further instruction. The Captain pointed out that QE2 had stopped and, with my binoculars, I was able to identify her iconic mast and funnel both illuminated and well defined against the early morning darkness.

Essentially we were bobbing around awaiting instruction. We learned that other vessels hoping to accompany QE2 home had been refused permission to leave Southampton, including Shieldhall.

Time passed in the eerie darkness and in a short while we had been informed that QE2 was on a sandbank and that attempts were being made to get her off and underway. We later learned that this was the infamous Brambles sandbank and the wind had played a significant part as she made her turns in the channel. Tugs were dispatched from the Fawley oil refinery and, as far as I was aware, they contributed to successfully refloating QE2. The whole exercise took about an hour and, by about 7am, QE2 was heading towards Calshot.

Although it was rather early I decided to contact a friend at BBC South to ensure he was aware of the situation. He was rather surprised to hear my voice so early and even more so that the ship had encountered a difficulty heading home. My mobile telephone battery was low and I did think that communication would be lost. However, after a few calls to check information my friend returned my call informing me that ‘I was their man out there’ and asked if I would accept a call from the news desk directly to be patched live into a TV report? I accepted and prayed that my battery would hold out! The call came and I described the current situation and what I had seen. The cold of the sea air and the wind chill made it difficult to articulate the words to describe the sItuation.

What are your memories of QE2's last day in Southampton?

If, like me you were not in Southampton, but glued to the TV eager to hear every news report, from the ship's arrival to when she slipped her moorings, to sail away from her home port for the last time.  Please post your memories. 

[Thomas Hypher]

My parents and I watched a lot of BBC South Today's excellent coverage that afternoon and evening having all sat down in our living room in the cottage we used to live in, in Oxfordshire that afternoon. I had our laptop set up for the latest updates on the occasion and I seem to recall I may have had Maritime AIS open to track QE2. By the end of BBC South Today's coverage there wasn't a dry eye in our living room. The event still makes me sad 11 years to the day later, and Captain Ian McNaught's words (paraphrased) "this ship has always called Southampton home but when she leaves tonight she will NEVER come back" are particularly poignant and memorable.

[Lynda Bradford]

......... there wasn't a dry eye in our living room. The event still makes me sad 11 years to the day later, and Captain Ian McNaught's words (paraphrased) "this ship has always called Southampton home but when she leaves tonight she will NEVER come back" are particularly poignant and memorable.

I think you have captured how a lot of people felt on the day. 

Michael Gallagher had posted the full text of Captain McNaught's speech on this topic that he posted in 2012.

https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php?topic=4681.msg49210#msg49210

[Lynda Bradford]

The Poppy Drop to commemorate Remembrance Day must have been a poignant moment.  Cunarder Man captured the moment in this photo.  Would love to see more photos. 

[Clydebuilt1971]

The Poppy Drop to commemorate Remembrance Day must have been a poignant moment.  Cunarder Man captured the moment in this photo.  Would love to see more photos.

I seem to recall it was a Harrier which performed the drop? Another british icon sadly no longer in service.

[Lynda Bradford]

I seem to recall it was a Harrier which performed the drop? Another british icon sadly no longer in service.

The Getty Images video mentions it was Tiger Moths the dropped the poppies.
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/video/90th-anniversary-of-armistice-day-remembrance-day-news-footage/666336336

There are fantastic pictures in the Visit of Duke of Edinburgh topic along with the itinerary for the day.

https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php?topic=8244.msg93252#msg93252

QE2's last day in Southampton proved to be a moment in history, which our much loved QE2 played the leading role. 

[Michael Gallagher]

Some (hopefully unseen) images from a day etched into the hearts of all who were there...

[Rob Lightbody]

Some (hopefully unseen) images from a day etched into the hearts of all who were there...

Amazing photos!!  Seems like yesterday.

[Lynda Bradford]

Brilliant photos that capture the occasion.  I particularly like the two where she is lit up and ready to go, but the photo of QE2's bow is particularly nice. 

[cunardqueen]

And who will forget that day . Im forever indebted to Mr QE2 for my last few hours onboard my ship. It wasnt what i planned , no last walk around the boat deck , But l did partake of afternoon tea and saw a few of the crew from over the years,my old room steward/ess , my very first cabin from 1986 , a final drink in the yacht club with two friends, and then a tap on the shoulder to say Thats it, time to say Goodbye , and l was on the quayside in minutes , Completely shell shocked it was over, and lm glad it was like that, a bit like death it shouldnt be prolonged . Then the walk up the docks to join Red Jet 4 to see QE2 away. back onshore a few final drinks with some very dear friends, l missed my last train to London.

Having done the Farewell UK and both crossings , there was no way l could have done or afforded the Dubai trip. I knew l had to be there to see QE2 away and the chance to visit onboard for a few hours is something l will treasure very much, hellish though the ending was . 

My sailing days with Cunard..Over .When you sailed on the best the only way you can go is down.       

[cunardqueen]

The firework Display

[Peter Mugridge]

I seem to recall it was a Harrier which performed the drop? Another british icon sadly no longer in service.

The Harrier performed a salute by means of a nose-dip as part of the ceremony.