Hello everyone, my name is Chris Woolley, I joined QE2 for her maiden Transatlantic voyage on a pierhead jump from Carmania. I was a Junior First Hotel Officer, (previously known as a 2nd Assistant Purser) aged 23. I still have no understanding as to why the management changed the titles. It just caused confusion, particularly for passengers, who still used the services of the "Pursers Office" on One Deck. Anyway I was'nt very keen on going and after about 18 moths, transferred gratefully to Cunard Adventurer.
My memories of my time in QE2 are:
"Niagara,Niagara!!"; passengers sleeping in the Hospital due to the flooded staterooms; a complete power failure and blackout in the Hudson River; escalators from the galley to the restaurants continually breaking down, delivering exhausted waiters and cold food to the retaurants; cold weather in New York meant static discharge from all the hand rails; dealing with cross and disgruntled passengers, who deserved better from the pride of Cunard. It really was, a work up for everyone. On the positive side, the social life in the Wardroom was great, does anyone remember the excellent Joe Yexley (?) and the wry smile he gave presenting the end of voyage, bar accounts? I made friends that have lasted to today, 40 years later. The celebrities that travelled, the characters in the crew and the satisfaction of working in a ship that drew the crowds everywhere. The officers cabins (innovative en suite double rooms), ideal for "entertaining"; the overnight turnarounds in NY. In retrospect I am glad I did it!!
