Can anyone identify this? (mystery holes under bow)

[Bob C.]

Does anyone know for sure what these four openings in the bow are.  My guess is some sort of houser for mooring lines, perhaps for towing.  They've been there since the beginning but I have no definite idea what they're for.



  

[Chris Frame]

They're her nostrils... she needs 4 because she is so large 

[QE2_MATTHEW]

Spot on... 

[Andy F]

I would tend to agree with them being used for towing but I rather like Chris' theory!

[Twynkle]

Bob - aka Reltco
I've got a good idea what these are for - & can send you a photo with them in use...!
Rosie akaTwynkle

[Andy F]

Pray tell Twynkle, I'm sat on the edge of my seat here!

[Twynkle]

They really are 'sort of' nostrils!
She's moored in Stavanger - and I took the photo immediately under the bow.

There's blue thick rope (sorry - line!) hanging out of the portside nostril, and on the end of it (the rope - bit like a dogs thick lead!!) just might be a sort of rope mesh shopping bag - large!
Nothing in the 'bag' -  just sort of hanging loose
Can't work it out, as the nostril wouldn't be big enough to hoist anything large through to the inside - and it seems to look pretty useless - however if I can email the image to someone, they could put it on the website for all to see - I think Rob - Reltco might email me -

I've just spent literally hours trying to upload things, including a good pic of something rather beautiful, and still can't do my avatar either -
I feel remarkably stupid - reality dawns at last!!!
How are you?

[Twynkle]

Andy - Roc (Reltco) On further examination - Iit must be an extra strong line - for attaching onto something either strong, heavy or mobile!  Maybe a tow rope!
Something about it might be in my Instruction Booklet ( Revised 1968), no mention in the more recent Rules of the Road...I'll try and find it when next on Watch...3 hrs 25 mins to go...by my H.Samuel Ever-rite watch (orange) 

[Twynkle]

Whoops - sorry - Bob C (not Rob!)

[Andy F]

Well you've certainly managed to do your avatar now and what a cracker it is there Twynkle.  If still having problems with the photo then feel free to email it to me (see profile for email address), as more than happy to give it a go.

You're doing excellent work on watch btw, able assisted by (more than) Able Seaman H Samuel.  Navigation report will follow shortly

[Andy F]

Here's Twynkle's great shot of QE2 alongside in Stavanger:

Twynkle - for future ref, to add an image click 'Additional Options' (below) and add the file as you would an attachment

[Bob C.]

Great photo but does anyone know what these are called?  hawse pipes?

[Mauretania1907]

I like the explanation of 'nostrils' ROFL LOL (All the better to smell with, my dear)

[Twynkle]

Hi Bob

This confirms link your thoughts - although wish she had real nostrils, then she could be breathing fire by now!

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hawse

[Rob Lightbody]

While digging out pictures of Myles', i found the attached photos of his, showing the tugs attached to QE2 through her nostrils.

[Andy F]

Nice one Rob, pity about the colour scheme though but fortunately it was short lived!

[Bob C.]

This is a great shot and while I was not a big fan of the grey hull, the contrast of the lines on the hull color make this a great picture for my purposes.  Without ever having ventured up to the fo'c'sle I can easily imagine how the lines were threaded trough the upper set of hawses but due to the widthe of the bow at the lower set, I have no idea of how it is configured.  I would love to crawl around up there and see for myself.

 

[KEV]

I thought they were 1960's Quadrophonic speakers to give that extra 'surround sound' on her fabulous whistle

[junglejames]

A long time late I know, but regarding your big nostrils!! They are designed for attaching a tugs line.
Not sure about the upper ones (as they are so high up), but Im guessing the lower ones cannot be accessed from inside the ship. It is just a small bollard inside the 'nostril' for the tug to place their lines onto.

As for the name, Hawse pipes they most definitely arent. Hawse pipes are what the anchor comes out of.

[Twynkle]

Oh dear!
Thank you, James
Very sorry for the 'mislead' - specially to Bob.C

Nostrils did seem a Very Good Idea....ages ago!
Something about powder, noses, then flames!