Re: WW2 Atlantic crossing times?
Geraldine, Nearly missed my ship twice during the War. second time was the Asbjorn in L'pool. Scrambled up the Jacobs' ladder as she was leaving last dock to the river, outward bound. First time was getting on train in M'chester to join Fort McMurray in London Dec '42. P'ssed as a coot but my Dad saw me off. Didn't get home 'til 10 m'ths later. Would've had the coppers after me otherwise.
Later in Army me and Sargent escorted two malcontents to Clochester prison (Glasshouse) in '47 from Wales. We had a rough time with them.
Never regretted any time in the M.N. or Army... fond memories Regards, Eric
Re: WW2 Atlantic crossing times?
Just trivia info not of WW2
The Blue Riband is awarded for the record fastest crossing by transatlantic liner. The current eastbound record was set by the American ocean liner United States in July 1952: the ship made the crossing in 3 days, 10 hours, 40 minutes
Re: WW2 Atlantic crossing times?
1986: Branson beats Atlantic speed record
" Millionaire Richard Branson has smashed the world record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic.
His 72-ft powerboat, the Virgin Atlantic Challenger, reached the Bishop Rock off the Isles of Scilly just after 1930BST.
Mr Branson completed the voyage more than two hours faster than the previous record-holder, the SS United States, which has held the title since 1952. "
He cut two hours off the UNITED STATES RECORD,
BUT, the Blue Riband is only for Passenger carrying vessels.
I helped Branson to a certain extent on that day. I was on watch on the ESSO PENZANCE on a voyage from Fawley to Cork and as we were approaching the Scillies I saw an echo on the RADAR, I thought it was a Helicopter, too slow for a plane and too fast for a ship. I got the bins out and saw the boat in a cloud of spray I checked the RADAR again and we were on a collision course, He was on my Port bow and I on his starboard bow, He being the give way vessel
I called him on VHF and Branson replied, He told me that he needed every second to beat the record, So I told him to stand on and I would slow down and let him pass ahead. which he did, he thanked me for it.
So he owes me if I ever fly with him .
Cheers
Brian.