On Sunday 13 May, twenty-three Survivors and their Spouses, together with Dorothy Kirk (Michael Foote’s Mum) and her daughter, enjoyed a visit to the QEII at Southampton courtesy of Cunard. We were there, together with our fellow survivors from Antelope and Coventry, to commemorate 25 years since QEII brought us all home from the South Atlantic. On a very overcast and blustery day most people met up with Pete & Theresa in the car park adjacent to the ship to collect the new Association ties that had been ordered. We then all mustered in the departure lounge after having been registered and security checked at 1000. Refreshingly, the bar was open and in true Ardent style several members took advantage and decided to sample the wares.

All the guys donned their new ties and several photographs were taken of us all on the stairs. I must say everybody looked splendid and smart and I think we made the other two ships’ companies very envious of our obvious camaraderie and close knit association.

Following a tour of the ship, where the opportunity was taken to reminisce over our previous voyage (where one sat for meals, for example), we all attended a reception in the Queen’s lounge. It was a great atmosphere particularly after the champagne was handed round. Mick Newby took charge of the photo call and took group shots of each of the ships’ companies, men first and then the ladies. (the Ardent shots can be seen on the web site). After lots of chatter, QEII’s captain, Captain Ian McNaught MN, made a speech of welcome. Our President, Admiral West, then made a suitable reply on behalf of all the survivors.

At 1300 we were conducted to the Caronia restaurant for a splendid
lunch. Grace was given by QEII’s captain, the Loyal Toast was
proposed by our President and a prayer of remembrance
was read by Captain Nicholas Tobin (Commanding Officer of Antelope).

We were well looked after and the meal was
fantastic, we finally left the QEII at 1500.
The whole time, during the visit, the
QEII’s staff were busy discharging one lot
of passengers and embarking a fresh lot.
They had all this to do from 0900 when the
docked until 1630 when she sailed again.
We all had a splendid day and our thanks
must go to all the members of the QEII’s
crew who looked after us so well during
our visit and particularly the Cruise Director,
David Pepper, himself an ex-CPO PTI.

Some of us then went back to Frankie
And Ken Enticknap’s house for drinks
and an opportunity to view the magnificent
Standard that has been produced for the
Association.

Photos: QEII Visit


Anyone for lunch?

QEII Report by Tony Ray