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

[Cruise_Princess]

As QE2 sailed past the Hythe Pier for the final time, a bugler on the pier head played "Close of Day", or "Taps"

It was heart-achingly appropriate.  No doubt anyone on QE2's decks would have heard it.

I wish I had my video camera recording at that time, it would have been nice to have had this moment preserved

I wonder if anyone recorded that.......that must have been so emotional... to be honest I think it sounded more emotional ashore than it did onboard....cause we couldnt see anything in the darkness....had we left in daylight or even sunset it would have been so much better,

[mickey g]

I was onboard and filmed the entire fireworks display, it was just so close to us that it felt overwhelming.

One lasting memory (amongst many others) was mine and my travel chums mobiles never stopping ringing from well wishing friends of ours watching our departure on TV.

Yes it was cold but true QE2 lovers remained on deck until the last minute, remember we got up to over 30 knots quite soon after.............bless her!

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Yes it was cold but true QE2 lovers remained on deck until the last minute, remember we got up to over 30 knots quite soon after.............bless her!

Were you aware of the speed she made that evening at the time / later during the voyage / only after returning and being told?

[Beardy Rich]

Here's another video clip of our favourite ship leaving Southampton for the final time.
Turn your speakers up and hear QE2s horn at 3m45s. Even funnier are the comments just after 4m5s. Enjoy 
http://vimeo.com/2257236
Oh dear... I've just watched this again to try and hear what the spectators onboard the Red Funnel ferry are saying after the ferry blows its horn. It sounds as though someone is saying 'tell him not to bother, it just farts doesn't it".
So funny... I've got tears rolling down my face from laughing.

[Twynkle]

11.11.2008. Same Fireworks - different angle!
and the message from Captain McNaught from the BBC.

Note:  BBC link not working

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7723446.stm

[RmsAquitania]

We watched it live on satellite so were able to continue viewing after the main bbc regional news show had finished. I remember we just sat there with tears in our eyes watching her go and thinking she should have been kept in the UK.

[rough crossing]

Better late than never I guess - we've finally got around to uploading this video taken on board the SS Shieldhall of the QE2 arriving in Southampton having been pushed off the Brambles on 11th November 2008. Due to high winds, the Shieldhall had been prevented from getting off her moorings, however we were later rewarded with this grandstand view of QE2's eventual final arrival in Southampton.

 

[Rob Lightbody]

Better late than never I guess - we've finally got around to uploading this video taken on board the SS Shieldhall of the QE2 arriving in Southampton having been pushed off the Brambles on 11th November 2008. Due to high winds, the Shieldhall had been prevented from getting off her moorings, however we were later rewarded with this grandstand view of QE2's eventual final arrival in Southampton.

ABSOLUTELY SUPERB 

[rough crossing]

Thanks Rob - and for sorting the 'you tube' bit - we're still trying to get to grips with the technicalities of posting media - and Jan will be delighted you appreciate her camera work.

[Rob Lightbody]

She did very well - one of the best things you can do on occasions such as these, is to not do much with the camera, and let the scene itself do the talking!  Too many people go mad zooming etc!

Incidentally - I have accidentally "tweeted" your video and credited it to Alan & Shona - my mistake - trying to do too many things at once!

[Peter Mugridge]

Rob, it's possible to delete a tweet ( Hey! That rhymes! ) and then re-issue it; I've done that a couple of times when I made a big spelling error or two...

[adlersc]

Great video and thanks for sharing 

[Twynkle]

Better late than never I guess - we've finally got around to uploading this video taken on board the SS Shieldhall of the QE2 arriving in Southampton having been pushed off the Brambles on 11th November 2008. Due to high winds, the Shieldhall had been prevented from getting off her moorings, however we were later rewarded with this grandstand view of QE2's eventual final arrival in Southampton.

Thank you so much for this - it is a superb video.

As we sailed in to Southampton yesterday, it felt very empty and dull despite Queen Victoria, Oriana and Arcadia returning together.
We stared sadly at QE2's old mooring position together with a crew member who had worked on board QE2 for 18 years.
He said that like us, he still misses her greatly. 
 

[Rob Lightbody]

I urgently need good, clear photos of the final departure that I can use for my talk on Monday.  I'd also need permission for these to be used in the live internet broadcast, and potentially in future online DVD & internet sales of the talk.

Can anyone help?  Specifically QE2 with fireworks overhead, QE2 with poppies being dropped would be good, or QE2 surrounded by all the ships that were there that night.

THANKS

[Michael Gallagher]

Rob

Have sent Cunard taken ones to your EMail.

Michael

[Twynkle]

Rob

You are welcome to use this and raid more of mine from flickr
although they aren't as clear / good!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/watch_keeper/4093202651/in/set-72157621278375812/

There are some superb ones here too
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andyfitzsimmons/3042745220/in/set-72157609401491851/

[Rob Lightbody]

Thank you all, I have what I need now!!

[Twynkle]

Short Video by Sky News
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/QE2-Sets-Off-On-Last-Ever-Voyage-Cunard-Liner-Heads-To-Dubai/Article/200811215149551?lpos=UK_News_Article_Related_Content_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15149551_QE2_Sets_Off_On_Last-Ever_Voyage%3A_Cunard_Liner_Heads_To_Dubai

[Twynkle]

11th November 2008:  QE2 sailed from Southampton for the final time as passenger ship in service with Cunard
Today is the second anniversary

https://www.flickr.com/photos/watch_keeper/4093202637/in/set-72157621278375812/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/watch_keeper/4093202651/in/set-72157621278375812/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/watch_keeper/5165681960/in/set-72157621278375812/

[QE2 whistle]

Thanks for those lovely pictures Twynkle.  I remember the day well.  We stayed at the Jurys Inn in Southampton the night before.  We woke early and put Sky News on and saw BREAKING NEWS QE2 grounded in the Solent.  What a shock we got.  It turned out to be a very odd day.  A mixture of emotions.  The usual excitement of boarding the Queen but the awful sadness of knowing it was the last time we would ever leave Southampton on her.  We stood on one deck aft to watch the fireworks and listen to her lovely whistle blowing.  It was so so sad.