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

[Twynkle]

Mostly it was the music on 11.11 that made it even more ache-ingly sad.  We heard singing – Auld lang syne, Rule Britannia, Land of hope and glory, then the fireworks, very loud, and more singing as we sailed alongside from the Terminal Building up to the Swinging Ground and on through Southampton Water –more Auld lang syne, Sailing, and My way – others will remember more.  The tears still …

Lots more on You Tube!

This link of 'Time to say....' is filmed in NY

[Stowaway2k]

Mostly it was the music on 11.11 that made it even more ache-ingly sad. 

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

[Ocean Liner Fanatic]

Here is a video of a news report that is on Youtube of the QE2 leaving Southampton for the last time

Regards,Jerry

[hollihedge]

Hi guys
Apols if this has already been posted somewhere else, but it is an interesting and moist poignant read:-
http://www.maritimematters.com/qe2_pdempsey_seamemory.html

Note: Link not working

[Twynkle]

Good find, Gill- it's a great account.
Thank you for posting it.

This, and with AndyF's Farewell to QE2; they both make good reading
about the almost unbearable sadness we experienced there that night.

Does anyone know if Patricia Dempsey would be interested in the Forum?
Maybe she's had a look already!

[RMS Queen Elizabeth 2]

I found these video clips of QE2's final night at Southampton.

Click Watch again: BBC South's QE2 farewell.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/history/local_history/qe2/index.shtml

Note: not linking direct to page but if you search for QE2 Southampton you can see a news article

I watch it quite a bit. I did get emotional when i saw it. There was no dry eye in the house.

[Avariel]

I remember watching it live - via web streaming. THAT night. (and of course we don't tell my parents I was up till 4+am watching the farewell, since I had an assignment due in class the next day.)

I find it hard to go back and watch it again. I get upset and then people around me wonder what has happened.

[Andy F]

I did get emotional when i saw it. There was no dry eye in the house.

It was pretty emotional being there also 

[Chris]

I only wish I was there to have witnessed it myself. Thankfully Andy F's magnificent photographs were like being there...

If I may...



See the sets here - superb! https://www.flickr.com/photos/andyfitzsimmons/3042745220/in/set-72157609401491851/

[caledonia]

 Yes it was a very emotional day - i was there from when the QE2 docked ( slightly late!) until she finally sailed away into the darkness. It was a very long day - drove down from Yorkshire the day before - in pouring rain had an early night then got up at 3.30am to sail out on the Shieldhall .
As you may know she didnt get away as planned but we got a superb grandstand view as the QE2 turned in front of us. A cruise up the Solent allowed opportunities to view the QE2 at her berth. The weather was excellent that day and the poppy drop was an emotional moment - the QE2's last ever day in her home port on the 11th of November was a special moment for all who witnessed it. I spent the day crossing on the Hythe ferry ( an excellent excursion wondeful views of a liner at the QE terminal) and watched with a heavy heart as the sun set on her for the last time.
To finish off the day i went on the red eagle charter which allowed a superb view of the last trip up the Solent, the firewoks were wonderful , you could nearly cross the solent on all the vessels large and small that accompanied her-we were the last vessel to stay with her and i watched along with many others as the QE2 sailed off into the darkness - not moving from the stern until the last spec of light disappeared into the night. It then became a shock to the system to realise that this was it - the end of an era, one that i am sure we will never see again.
I then had a long drive into the night - it gave time to look back and remember the wonderful times i had spent on the QE2 i finally arrived home at 3.30 am in the morning - very tired but so glad that i was there to say goodbye to the icon - the one and only beautiful lady -my beloved Queen Elizabeth 2.

[Twynkle]

Farewell to Southampton
RMS Queen Eilizabeth 2 - her final farewell to Southampton on Tuesday, 11th November 2008.
Filmed  in 2 parts from SS Shieldhall

With thanks to Marcus2s

[richc1977]

The last time I left the QE2 in October 2008 I touched her panelling inside the Midship Lobby and whispered goodbye as I did the other two times I was aboard.  Maybe we've all done that at some point whether we sailed on her or not...when I was aboard the Red Eagle as she turned back to Southampton I watched the distance between the QE2 and us grow further and further apart until I could just make her on the horizon......and then I said goodbye...then I turned away and went inside because I was so cold!

[PJtheMuppet]

I was on Red Eagle too & just managed to stay on deck until QE2 was a dot on the horizon.

[Megabear2]

I was on one of the three Mamarine charters who were the last vessels to escort her out of the Solent.  We raced alongside her out to the Forts and at 21:40 took our last close up view of her rear before turning around to head back home.  All this time I sat on the open top wrapped in my ski jacket and winter boots, never moving to ensure I saw her for as long as possible.  We could see the lights of the QE2 for a good 20 minutes after we turned and everyone on board sat in silence with their eyes glued to them as she disappeared.  It was eerie and as if something had been removed from this little group of people which could never be returned.

[Twynkle]

QE2 Final Departure November 11th 2008

Note: Video not available

Thanks to Aaron1912
(If this was posted on 11.11, this can be deleted... )