Cunard & The Falklands Campaign

If you have ever cruised with Cunard you know what to expect. A chance to step back into the old days of cruising, along with the great British touches such as, afternoon tea and a game of croquet.

35 years ago though, (the 4th May 1982 to be exact), the Queen Elizabeth was requisitioned by the government for service on her way home from Philadelphia to Southampton.  As some of you will, I am sure, remember that on the 2nd April 1982 Argentine troops invaded the Falkland Islands, which started a short lived/bitter campaign to reclaim her.

The day after the ship was taken, the conversion work began. On the quarterdeck and over the two aft swimming pools helicopter landing pads were constructed. Equipment, rations, vehicles, fuel and spare parts were loaded aboard, some even on the open deck. All paintings and furniture were removed.  Cunard asked for 650 volunteers from its employees to travel down to the Falklands. 1000 people offered their services.

On the 12th May the ship was on its way, joined by 3000 men of the fifth infantry brigade and naval personnel.  When the ship got to Sierra Leone, every single porthole was covered with black plastic so as to provide a blackout. As the ship sailed closer to the Falklands all the navigation lights were turned off along with the radar. A harrowing journey down I am sure, not helped by the many icebergs in their way.

On the 27th May the ship arrived at Cumberland Bay in South Georgia and then transferred troops and supplies to other ships. By the 29th May the ship had taken 640 survivors from HMS Ardent, Coventry and Antelope which had been sunk.  The Atlantic Conveyor who was also carrying troops unfortunately fell victim to air strikes. The ship did sink with the loss of six military personnel and six Cunard crew.

On the morning of the 11th June the QE2 arrived back home in Southampton. Three days later a ceasefire was declared signalling the end of the war.

With so much “recent” history, Cunard has been hosting special services of remembrance along with a lunch on board the Queen Elizabeth. This was all done in May however, some of you may not have known, hence my chance to blog.

Next time you are on this special ship, take a moment to remember.

Till next time x