Rough Seas on the old Eizzie

[Darrell Kellett]

Hi shipmates anybody remember the rough trip we had going to NY, were she was hove too, for twelve hours, due to heavy seas I was on look-out that morning,6to8, up in the crow's nest, as she went into the trough the crest of the next wave was above me, the whole ship was battened down that day as the waves were coming over the funnel deck , got to NY 12 hours late then sailed on time to the Bahamas on a winter cruise, it was certainly a bit quieter then crossing the pond !!! keep the the old memories coming it makes great reading makes me feel young again, best wishes Darrell Kellett, ex AB QE1, from Aug 63 to Jan 64:mad or wot!!.

[Charles Hurley]

Hi Darrell, I believe I was on the QE then serving as Cabin Waiter. I did about five years on her all told.
I remember, possibly the same night, we were sleeping aft on "C" deck in a 12 berth cabin. I had a top bunk and at around 2 AM I found myself clung to the ceiling above me. The aft end came right out of the water, we were directly over the props, and we heard this terrific sound of props spinning in air. EVERYBODY got up with all the lights on and most including me I think had our life jackets on. Put the fear of God in all of us.
That was the scariest time I ever had at sea. Had another frightening experience on one of two trips I did on the old Mauretania to New York I was a first class Waiter in November I think it was and it was a beautiful sunshine Sunday morning around 11 AM or noon. Hardly any bloods on board that time of year and because of her doing some HEAVY rolling hardly any in the restaurant. She went over a few times back and forth and then took this tremendous list to port and I thought, here goes, it's all over for you mate. (We had the tables layed and watered down with glassware and crockery removed and stowed.) In a minute ALL the big round heavy tables and chairs had broken loose and were stacked on the bulkhead on the port side.These tables were bolted to the deck with 5'-6' long brass bolts and they had all sheared off.
Some of the lads in the restaurant went flying too but fortunatlely no broken bones with the crew. I believe a few of the passengers suffered with broken bones etc. I'm thinking just maybe one or two more degrees to Port and she would have been a "Goner" Only two experiences like that in my 9 years.
Kindest regards, Charles Hurley

[Darrell Kellett]

Hi Charles, Nice of you to reply, if only Jo public knew what we went through to bring them thier tea and biscuits, they might apreasiate us a bit more. best wishes Darrell Kellett.

[Richard Quartermaine]

Hi Darrell

I signed off the Gothic in March 1953 and decided to go to Toronto, Canada via New York. I booked a passage on the QE sailing fro Southampton 1st April 1953 Tourist Class. Quite a difference to being the Sipper's Tiger on the Gothic!!
Half way across the Atlantic we hit a very heavy swell and she really rolled. There was a dance that night and the dancers were racing from one side to the other. It was great fun although some were a bit scared I was surprised, never having been on such a large ship, how much she bounced around.

Here's a couple of photos and I'll post some more in the Gallery shortly.

Richard Q