40 Years Later: The Destruction of the Queen Elizabeth

It was 40 years ago that the proud ship (then renamed Seawise University) met her fiery demise in Hong Kong Harbor.

Snapshot: Nomadic Returns Home

Nomadic - the last remaining White Star Line ship afloat - returned home to Belfast, Northern Ireland in July 2006 after serving as a restaurant in Paris for a number of years. Launched in 1911 and ported in Cherbourg, France, she was a tender for the great Olympic and ill-fated Titanic.

After the merger with Cunard in 1934, however, Nomadic went on to service the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth until their respective retirements.

Happy Birthday to Queen Elizabeth!

It was 73 years ago today that the RMS Queen Elizabeth was launched by HM Queen Elizabeth (consort to HM King George VI), in the company their Royal Highnesses Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. This ship was the highly anticipated running mate to the popular Queen Mary (launched four years prior).

The Queen Elizabeth, however, was a different ship than her older sister - and larger too. Building the Mary had allowed the shipbuilders to test new ideas and refine their methods. The effect? Elizabeth was the most technologically advanced liner in the world at that time.

The start of Lizzie's passenger service was interrupted, however, by World War II. She was secretly sailed out of Britain to New York - arriving in March 1940. She and Mary would transport over 1 million soldiers to all corners of the globe before resuming their intended careers as passenger liners.

Together, the two Cunard Queens ruled the transatlantic trade and remain two of the most famously popular ships in the world.

Newsreels on Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Mauretania and Aquitania in World War II

The Cunard Line has played a role in transporting soldiers across the sea since the Crimean War in 1853, and World War II was no exception. The once-glamorous passenger ships were quickly transformed - camouflaged and armed - for the new task of trooping.


This collection of newsreels will show how the most famous ships in the world were pressed into service and took part in the overall Allied war effort.

In Memory of Elizabeth Taylor

Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011 at the age of 79. She was, as friend Debbie Reynolds mentioned, "the most glamorous star of our generation."

I won't attempt to eulogize Elizabeth Taylor: so many others have done that far more eloquently than I ever could. But I do want to tell of something rather special that did happen aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth during the 1960s.

Debbie Reynolds' husband, Eddie Fisher, had left her to marry Taylor - his best friend's widow - in 1959. This proved to be a tremendous scandal that brought unwanted publicity to all parties involved. Although Fisher and Taylor divorced, there was an understandable coolness between the two friends. But Debbie Reynolds did eventually forgive her:

It was after many years. I'd remarried and she'd remarried. I was going to London on the Queen Elizabeth ship and I looked up and I saw tons of luggage going by me and birdcages and dog cages and nurses and I realized Elizabeth was on the same ship as me. I almost changed my mind about going but my husband said, 'Don't be silly, we won't be on the same floor. Of course we were so I sent a note to her room and she sent a note back to mine saying that we should have dinner and get this over with and have a good time. Because we were very good friends when we were 17 and went to school together on the MGM lot. And we had a wonderful evening with a lot of laughs.

The friendship that was renewed aboard the Queen Elizabeth in the 1960s lasted for many years and sadly came to an end yesterday morning. Elizabeth Taylor will be missed by legions of fans to be sure.


References: Nicki Goston, "Debbie Reynolds Forgave Elizabeth Taylor on a Boat," PopEater, March 24, 2011, under Movie News, http://www.popeater.com/2011/03/24/debbie-reynolds-elizabeth-taylor (accessed March 24, 2011).

Myself and Commodore Warwick

Today, January 30, 2011, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Commodore Ronald W. Warwick aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. I introduced myself to him and told him what an honor it was to meet him, and then we chatted about the new Queen Elizabeth, the original Queen Mary and how unique and lovely each ship is. I cannot begin to say how happy I was to meet him; even more so when he agreed to take a photo with me:

When I ran into him and his wife Kim later, I presented them with a few gifts to take home as keepsakes. What the Commodore did next, though, I did not anticipate whatsoever. He insisted on giving me something, so he took his QE2 pin off his lapel and gave it to me. I was absolutely touched, and thanked him profusely. To say that Commodore Warwick is a kind and generous man is an understatement!

I don't think it will surprise anyone when I say that I will treasure this gift until my dying day.

Reception Aboard the New Queen Elizabeth

After the new Queen Elizabeth docked in Los Angeles for the first time on January 29, 2011 a special reception was held on board the new Cunarder. Everette Hoard, my dear friend who let me wear Commodore Geoffrey Marr's uniform, presented Captain Julian Burgess with a special plaque on behalf of the Steamship Historical Society of America. His speech was eloquently moving by all accounts, and was a splendid example of the bond that exists between ships and the people who truly love them.


Front row: Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn; Captain Julian Burgess; British Consul-General Dame Babara Hay

Back row: Dr. Scott Gray, San Pedro CVB; Christopher Chase, Port of Los Angeles; James Callahan, Metro Ports; Everette Hoard, Steamship Historical Society

The New Queen Elizabeth in Los Angeles

The new Cunarder Queen Elizabeth arrived in Los Angeles for the first time early this morning. My friend and I arrived early in an attempt to see her dock, but she had already done so by the time we got down there (at 6:45 am). Being the amateur photographer and nautical nerd that I am, I took a tremendous amount of pictures of the new Lizzie.

There weren't very many people out and about when we first arrived - both on land and the ship. Through my binoculars, however, I saw an officer on the bridge looking over something while drinking a cup of tea. After my friend and I checked out the nearby Lane Victory (a WWII-era Liberty ship), however, the terminal was buzzing with activity and a helicopter circled around the Elizabeth and undoubtedly filming a segment for the local news. It isn't, after all, just everyday that a ship makes its maiden call at a port.

Commodore Marr & Myself

On January 15, 2011 I was given the great and rare privilege to wear the late Commodore Geoffrey Marr's uniform. He was the last master of the RMS Queen Elizabeth, and sailed the ship to her berths in Florida and later Hong Kong. Shortly after his retirement from Cunard, Commodore Marr went back to sea as Second Mate aboard a banana boat; the allure of the ocean is too strong for some people. He passed away on March 4, 1997 and was ultimately buried at sea.

This particular uniform (Marr had several) is in the possession of my good friend, Everette Hoard, who actually knew the Commodore in his later years. He mentioned to me one day that the coat would probably fit me, which really got this idea underway. It turns out, actually, that the coat fits me perfectly and my friend was gracious enough to take a few photos for me.

Everette says that "there's a certain kind of magic about that uniform," and he is completely right. As soon as I slipped it on I instantly felt a connection to Commodore Marr and his life. I think it's amazing how certain objects can hold such power and significance; and it makes sense in this case. This uniform represents Commodore Marr's entire life and career; from his early days aboard the HMS Conway to chasing down the Battleship Bismarck aboard the HMS King George V to commanding the RMS Queen Elizabeth. All this and more is symbolized by this old jacket and hat.

It truly was an experience that I'll never forget for as long as I live. I don't think that I could ever convey enough thanks to Everette for letting me do what I did.

Royal Rendezvous: Part II

The Royal Rendezvous was thoroughly celebrated by New York City. Not only was there the magnificent fireworks display this evening; Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared January 13, 2011 to be "Cunard Royal Rendezvous Day." The famous Empire State Building was illuminated in red and the New York Stock Exchange was closed with ringing from one of the original Queen Elizabeth's bells.

This event was quite similar to the one held in 2008 when the Queen Elizabeth 2 was still in service. Today marked the new Elizabeth's maiden entry into New York.

References: Patrick McGeehan, "Cruise Passenger Spending in City Is Up Sharply," The New York Times, January 14, 2011, under N.Y./Region, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/nyregion/14cruise.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=queen%20mary%202&st=cse (accessed January 13, 2011).

Royal Rendezvous: Part I

The Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria have all docked in New York Harbor today for a very special event. This is only the second time in the Cunard Line's history that the entire fleet has been berthed in New York Harbor, and the city intends to celebrate this rare occurrence with a tremendous fireworks display by the Statue of Liberty.

Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth, which are docked at Piers 88 and 90, will leave their berths later this evening in order to meet up with their much larger sister, Queen Mary 2. All three will appear together for the fireworks show, which is set to begin at around 6:45 tonight.


References: Kathy Carvajal, "Maritime 'Queens' Dock In New York," MyFOXNY.com, under "Local News: Manhattan," http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/manhattan/maritime-queens-dock-in-new-york-20110113-KC (accessed January 13, 2011).

39 Years Ago: The Death of the Queen Elizabeth

It was 39 years ago today that fire swept through and destroyed the RMS Queen Elizabeth, which had been renamed the SS Seawise University. The liner had been sold to Mr. C.Y. Tung of Hong Kong who had the intention of turning her into a traveling school (similar to the Semester at Sea program that exists today). Shortly before her debut in this new role, however, several fires broke out aboard the former Lizzie on January 9, 1972 and completely destroyed her. Twisted, broken and burnt out, she would lay in disgrace until finally broken up between 1974 and 1975. Although much of the ship was scrapped it is estimated that as much as 50% of the former Queen Elizabeth still sits underwater in Hong Kong Harbor.

A memorial was established outside of Mr. Tung's headquarters in Torrance, California following the liner's destruction. It incorporated one of her massive anchors as well as a "Q" and "E" from her bow letters. A similar monument was put up in New York City and utilized the other set of letters.

The loss of any ship is tragic; especially one as beautiful and historically significant as the Queen Elizabeth. She lives on, however, in the hearts and minds of those who sailed aboard her; as well as those who wish they could have.

The Secret Voyage of the Queen Elizabeth

As the Second World War began to escalate in the early part of 1940, the decision was made to move the new Queen Elizabeth out of Scotland; she would be too prime a target for the Luftwaffe otherwise. Without being thoroughly tested, she embarked on her secret maiden voyage, as described by Leonard A. Stevens:

On March 2, 1940, the Queen Elizabeth, untried at sea, set forth across the Atlantic. She was escorted for a ways by four British destroyers and some military aircraft; then the ship set off alone in the submarine-infested ocean. Captain J.C. Townley commanded a crew of about four hundred. The ship was unarmed except for two guns on each side of the flying bridge. Though the crew did not know it, they were actually acting on an order from Winston Churchill, who had said that the liner must keep away from the British Isles until ordered to return. Indeed, the Germans, who got word of the plans, were even waiting with their bombers over the English Channel at the time the Elizabeth was supposed to come through on her way to Southampton.

Out at sea Captain Townley opened his secret orders to learn that he was to take the Elizabeth to the Port of New York where her sister ship, the Mary, had been caught as the war began. He was to maintain radio silence, but he would be sent important wireless communications by the Royal Navy. He was to maintain a full blackout and take an evasive, zigzag course. Regardless of his course, Captain Townley had a tremendous advantage when it came to running the Atlantic in the ship that a German U-boat crew would most love to sink. His was one of the fastest liners on earth - or at that point without trials, she was supposed to be. As he added miles between the ship and Scotland, the Master of the Elizabeth was rapidly convinced that she was performing as her designers and builders had planned. It would have taken an extremely clever or mighty lucky U-boat captain to sink the new Queen.

The Queen Elizabeth’s secret voyage - both her trials and her unofficial maiden voyage wrapped in one - was uneventful, yet the crew would never forget that Atlantic crossing. The vessel, sleek and new as seen from the outside, was still raw on the inside. Pipes, wires, and other materials ordinarily hidden were exposed, and some not even fixed in place. Moreover, the gigantic ship was virtually empty, and crew members wandering around inside the liner found it a lonely, eerie experience. They made up about an eighth of the numbers the Elizabeth could carry when full. This new, untried hotel of the seas was a gray, lightless ghost ship skimming over the cold North Atlantic in the dangerous early days of World War II.

References: Leonard A. Stevens, The Elizabeth: Passage of a Queen (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1968), 153-155.

"A Grand Celebration at Sea" at the 2011 Rose Parade

The Tournament of Roses - more commonly referred to as the Rose Parade - has become a New Year's Day tradition since its first inception in the 1890s. Marching bands and equestrians from all over converge on Pasadena, California to take part of this special event. It is the floats, however, that makes the parade really stick out. Using nothing but flower petals to decorate these masterpieces, countless volunteers have created designs that are truly unique and out of this world.

This year marked the Cunard Line's debut in the Rose Parade. Their float, entitled "A Grand Celebration at Sea," turned many heads as it rolled down Colorado Boulevard. Although smaller than most floats at 55 feet in length, 24 feet high and 18 feet wide, it was nevertheless elegant and beautifully designed. Cunard's entry won, appropriately enough, the Queen's Trophy for the best use of roses. How can one beat that?


References: "Cunard Wins Queen's Trophy in the 122nd Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade," Cunard, January 2, 2011, under "News Room," http://www.cunard.com/About-Cunard-Line/News-Room/Cunard-News/?art=6560 (accessed January 2, 2011).

The Queen Elizabeth in Torrance

If you happen to visit the Del Amo Mall in Torrance, California - just on the corners of Carson and Del Amo - there is a good chance that you may see this building:


No, it's not a mortuary (despite the fact it looks just like one). It's a CapitalSource Bank that happens to have some very sacred maritime items on display. The anchor that you see in the photo came from the famous Cunarder RMS Queen Elizabeth. After the liner's fiery 1972 demise in Hong Kong Harbor, it was salvaged (along with some other objects) and sent back to California to create a monument at Mr. C.Y. Tung's offices there. Although he no longer has any claim to the property, the memorial still stands.

I first learned of its existence several years ago through an acquaintance, but was unable to visit at the time for a variety of (uninteresting) reasons. On the heels of my Queen Mary propeller hunt this summer, however, I decided to finally pay it a visit. After getting slightly lost on the freeway and parking (somewhat illegally) at a nearby center, I made my way over to the Lizzie's remnants. Awe and reverence swept over me like a rogue wave as I snapped this photo:

Just like the Queen Mary's anchors, the Elizabeth's were 18 feet tall and weighed 16 tons. Each of those links are 2 feet long and weigh close to 225 pounds.

And here are perhaps the most sacred objects of them all: the letters "Q" and "E" that spelled out the ship's name. Another set is on display in New York, as I understand, but are in rather poor condition. These letters had a broken plexiglass cover over them and you can see it in the top right corner of the photo. It was already cast to one side when I arrived, but I was sure to replace it when I left.

In addition to letters from Governor Jerry Brown and Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (those photos did not come out at all) there is a plaque on the site that reads:

The R.M.S. "Queen Elizabeth", 83,673 gross tons, was the biggest and fastest passenger liner ever built. She contributed valuable service as a troop carrier during World War II. In peace, she served as a blue-ribboned* passenger ship for two decades. C.Y. Tung of Seawise Foundation acquired her and renamed her "Seawise University", but she was destroyed by fire in Hongkong harbor on January 9, 1972 just as her renovation and conversion work was about to be completed. Her projected work as a floating university has been taken up by the S.S. "Universe Campus" based in Los Angeles. Her bow initials "Q" and "E" and her anchor are placed her in Los Angeles County appropriately as a memento of her service and contribution unrivaled in shipping history.

* = The Queen Elizabeth never held the Blue Riband.

It was an extremely touching pilgrimage. I realized that this is as close as I or anyone is going to get to the Queen Elizabeth (unless we dive to the 40-50 percent still underwater in Hong Kong), and being able to touch these objects helped bring her closer to me. Although the Queen Elizabeth is goine, she continues to exist in the hearts and minds of countless former crew members and passengers who sailed aboard her, as well as the enthusiasts and historians who study her. Long live the Queen!