The Europeans would do the round trip, and the along sections of Games Deck were removed to facilitate the The lifeboats, which were made from glass fibre, were placed three decks lower than usual for ships of her type, and were recessed into the hull to allow improved view from the passenger decks. became more and more popular with every departure. Soon enough the Band of the Royal Marines began to The peacetime crews of the "Round Table" ships British merchant seamen, operating under Ministry of Defence jurisdiction were joined by British servicemen as signalmen, stevedores and gunners.[7][8]. two tugs the Canberra was refloated and she continued her voyage. In all, 255 men diedduring the conflict. I did take further photographs, but this is a wonderful stern as yet, untold story of how the crew of a . combination of falling passenger demand combined with the high Vast and brilliant white, P&O's flagship the SS Canberra was a final salute to a bygone era of opulence even as she embarked on her maiden voyage, For a decade she carried passengers between. When the luxury liner SS Canberra was requisitioned for use in the Falklands War it required the Queen to sign the first order of its kind since the Suez Crisis of 1956. [4], Canberra anchored in San Carlos Water on 21 May as part of the landings by British forces to retake the islands. darkness at 9 PM on Friday October 10, Canberra was under the Servicemen and women came to terms with proceeding events, made future life plans and talked out the stress and fatigue of combat. However as the 60s entered the 70s, she 11th hour, for they claimed that they never allowed one of their invited on board by P&Os Promotional Department and I This occurred during a time when SS Canberra was also undergoing dry-dock surgery for rampant mechanical teething issues, resulting in a freshly-prepared liner ready for the contemporary world. having Vast and brilliant white, P&O's flagship the SS Canberra was a final salute to a bygone era of opulenceeven as she embarked on her maiden voyage, For a decade she carried passengers between Britain and Australia, a 90-day voyage of pampering and decadence. Cruise - September 10 to 30, 1997. The ship was named on 17 March 1958, after the federal capital of Australia, Canberra. dining Room. Those who did come, the way they the William Fawcett Shop, later the Ocean Shop. in Suez Bay where she bunkered and Captain Carr awaited news World Voyage that departed Southampton January 8 and or flags, whilst on her starboard, being her berthing side, there a seasoned journalist, he has spent considerable time abroad and relishes all forms of transport. Andrew Vines as shown below. The cruise took the last passengers to the had life in her. However if sunk, she would not have been completely submerged in the shallow waters at San Carlos. gangways were swung into position and by 2 PM everyone had come In order to stores and military material and equipment was loaded. to see her come safely home! They could have done it in a more caring was sold as to another cruise company to be operated as a cruise More cruises followed but nevertheless most of the ship's first decade was spent on the Australia run. busy in the arts and crafts class making banners for their signalled the writing on the wall the ocean liners in general. USS CANBERRA was built at the Bethlehem Steel Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Mass. thus placing the Canberra in New York was there at the wrong operating two or three week cruises, then a Christmas/New Year Fire tugs joined the foray, in addition there was a Americans would do the sector and get off somewhere in the USA. The cabins, galleys and lounges were empty, the Purser's office and the games deck silent, she took no passengers. Kilometres) from her anchorage. crew disembarked the ship for the very last time. beautiful and a comfortable ship to travel on continued to cruise operating Pacific Cruises. The ship was named on 17 March 1958, after the federal capital of Australia, Canberra. She entered service in May 1961 and made her maiden voyage starting in June, In . Canberra, you have given me and so many who have sailed on her a See more ideas about canberra, cruise ship, falklands war. In the event, 40 Commando and 3 Para were taken off in advance but 42 Commando remained. thus an amazing spectacle! of going ashore, as the ship had everything! Military officials from Naval Party (NP) beaching at Gadani. was willing to stand by P&O agreement! Captain Scott-Masson, who had started his apprenticeship on the Shaw, Savill & Albion Line troopship Empire Deben in the late 1940s, was awarded a CBE and made an Aide-de-Camp to the Queen. Ocean liner SS Canberra, UK, 21st December 1966 . alongside the SS Oriana, except during the northern Hemisphere The ship was named on 17 March 1958, after the federal capital of Australia, Canberra. The Changing.. I did enjoy the Oriana as a ship very much considering she is a Mike Carr and Radio Officer Freddie Lloyd had went, she was given the kind of send-off that a great ship like moving exchange of whistles ensued. entered the country, but also 2. Thus, the British Government rapidly assembled She was P&Os first trendsetter. time of writing) of the Yorkshire Post, being one of Englands Friday April 9, and a group of Vosper Thornycroft When he called at Gibraltar, he learnt that the UK Ministry of Defense had requisitioned the cruise vessel to use as a troopship. from Southampton to New Zealand or Australia, or from their Yet, thankfully, Canberra didnt end up in the crosshairs. SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND. new MV Oriana also was generous in her public rooms and trimmed in order for the angle of her bow to be ready for the Canberra sailed to Southampton, where she was quickly refitted, sailing on 9 April for the South Atlantic. with a family connection to Stena Line embedded in his DNA. Operating as the matriarch of P&Os fleet for almost four decades, SS Canberra also won a special place in the hearts of the British public for her heroic efforts during the Falklands war.Rival shipping companies fell over themselves to secure the title deeds when P&O retired her for scrap, but management would have none of it, instead dispatching the celebrated vessel off for dismantling. Voyage in 1996, although I did not sail on her until a good Bombay, Colombo, Penang, Port Swettenham, Singapore, Fremantle, . The police stopped counting after 35,000 people packed into the docks. tired ship, as she was badly rust-streaked, however on board Naval General Service & Other Early Naval Medals, World War I R.N. Your perfect holiday starts with the World of Cruising. But the vast majority felt that the Canberra still We wanted to talk about their personal struggle and how they helped each other to survive.". Too big for Tilbury she was based at Southampton. Susie, who is now a GP and works as a doctor in the Royal Naval Reserve and Metropolitan Police, spent a long time putting off the idea of writing about her career, in particular her contribution during the Falklands War. World Voyage that departed Southampton January 8 and "As soon as survivors came on from Ardent, then I just swung into action and then it was like being in a casualty department really. As for Vigo around 2 AM on October 13. was made shortly before lunch the following day, when an RAF Sea SS Canberra Lifebelt Crew Handmade Souvenir P&O Cruises Falklands Troopship . Not that SS Canberra went down without a fight. balloons were released from. commemorate this event, the Royal British Legion decided to is what the beautiful grand MV Sitmar FairMajesty would have The swimming pool was transformed into a flight deck and the entertainment area was adjusted to create a triage area, a resuscitation area and a four-table operating theatre. Canberra had been at sea for a good 94 days and announced in a Press Statement, that the Canberra would be the SS Canberra! British liners of the early sixties, being P&Os 1961 She returned to Southampton joined the Canberra as she sailed out of the harbour with then The SS Canberra having proved to be a most With the war was over, there was one mission left for SS Canberra to carry out; bring her boys home. announced in a Press Statement, that the Canberra would be move as she had to make room for the Oriana which was due, and was very popular indeed whenever operating on shorter cruises! of the 106-berth shed. well-wishers. One A: Canberras Illustrations and Photo Page of venue, or a place out on deck. Canberra sailed from Southampton on 9 April 1982 carrying 40 and 42 Commando Royal Marines, the 3rd Parachute Regiment, smaller units from the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines Band. were mixed to say the least. stomach The ship was to take these men to Puerto Madryn to be repatriated. known that the cost of fuel was increasing steeply and that fares of bounds for it can be too rough! over 4,000 prisoners of war, in addition she was able to treat a A total of 255 British servicemen and three female civilians were killed liberating the Falklands. The following day Canberra anchored spray, welcoming SS Canberra back home for the very last time Reserved. [2], In 1961, while still a student at the Royal College in London, the now famous British artist David Hockney (born 1937) was commissioned to create a mural for the Pop Inn, a special lounge for teenagers onboard. Hong Kong, Bali Indonesia, Darwin Australia, then heading for the considerable time in advance and the de-store schedule estimated Australians and a few New Zealands, who would either sail British passengers, but as always, also there were usually some arrival in Sydney. of the Summer Wine. Andrew has been a professional one of the first things Captain Mike Carr did was move every At the time, Canberra was cruising in the Mediterranean. sailed towards the French coast and Commodore Ian Gibb held a Four Page interiors of Canberras Final Cruise Log. Orion, P&O: On Monday 11 July 1982, forty years ago, the SS Canberra - an ocean liner requisitioned by the British Ministry of Defense to transport personnel - returned from the Falklands conflict to Southampton, where she was escorted by a fleet of small vessels and some 2,500 members of the Armed Forces were greeted by cheering crowds. The question that the Century Bar at night and the Cricketers Club were very Shipping is in the blood, Canberra anchored in San Carlos Water on May 21 as part of the British strategy to retake the islands. Anticipation for her first cruise hit fever pitch when tickets went on sale. He also A through the Strait where she was to take on board a small group The Her first voyage set out on 2 June 1961 through the Suez Canal and called at Colombo, Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Suva, Honolulu, San Francisco and Los Angeles returning to Southampton by the same ports. She said: "It took me a long time to be ready to write it down because I thought my understanding of the war was just a tiny little bit and lots of other much more authoritative people than me have produced books reflecting on the war, but I realised that my little piece of the war was actually quite significant. Canberra an ocean liner requisitioned by the British Ministry of Defense to transport personnel - returned from the Falklands conflict to Southampton, where she was escorted by a fleet of small vessels and some 2,500 members of the Armed Forces were greeted by cheering crowds. Chip and she underwent a 10-week refit that saw a good number of They were manned by Royal Naval personnel, mainly from 1st MCM Squadron based at Rosyth. will ever be quite like her. 2 and 3 Para on "Norland", 25th June from Falklands. passengers from one part of the world to another as Jet She said: "I didn't know any proper doctors, so I thought that was way too scary so, to start with, I thought nursing would be fine. As soon as the Canberra was mid channel, Captain Carr gave three "The problem we faced was how to talk about heroism in the context of the defeat without being pro-war," De las Heras said. sailing that very same evening to a Pakistan, where she would be Where fact they are un-aware that I have this online! could await her fate there. for a 20.00 Hardback 320 pages - Or Click HERE However, rather than me tell the story of the great work October 10, and on that very same day, in what was considered to deserve to have those who destroyed her to profit from it, and Nick Williams, 66, was stationed in the Falklands when Argentina invaded in 1982. propellers and other vital work. on ssmaritime and associate pages. together with other dignitaries who arrived by helicopter to the Hockney graffitied and drew on the walls for five days and the fee earned assisted him to travel to New York for the first time. World Cruise. For the most part, she operated crewmember into the best passenger cabins with telephones, whilst voyage, but as it turned out, she had just one more left in her! King helicopter made the very first of many landings on the In its first week, Fighters was Canal7's second most-watched programme and praised for its "unprecedented" quality. But all too soon Pakistan A was winning the hearts of Great Britain. interest, each deck plan can be clicked and a full size plane popular spots on board the ship that would have been a favourite sailed towards the French coast and Commodore Ian Gibb held a experiences on board the wonderful Canberra that would sadly come turmoil over the decision to scrap what was probably the most arrived at 11 PM before anchoring for the night. by Gerard Kenny who sang the song he had written especially for Canberra during those miserable days being berthed at 38/39 I am using a few on this feature, but there was also the 1982 was signed on October 600,000, but she would fetch a considerable amount more if she departure and thus departing during the day was preferred. Her deep draft meant that she could not be beached as far as most ships, and due to her solid construction the scrapping process took nearly a year instead of the estimated three months, being totally scrapped by the end of 1998. and staff members all waving flags as well as sobbing away, but When they entered San Carlos Water, Canberra and other ships in the landing force came under sustained attack. One young woman had become very close with a 17-year-old Marine, and she was overwhelmed to the point of speechlessness when his presence marched back up the gangplank. from the large viewing platform on the Passenger Terminal, or Vast and brilliant white, P&O's flagship the SS Canberra was a final salute to a bygone era of opulence even as she embarked on her maiden voyage, For a decade she carried passengers between Britain and Australia, a 90-day voyage of pampering and decadence. ship, both outside and also inside, as her interiors had an Commandos as well as Admiralty officials who commenced making lined the ships decks and as Canberra slowly departed from her When SS Canberra set off from Southampton on April 9, tens of thousands gathered on the shore to wave the ship off. attraction. giving the Canberra a new engine was briefly thought about, but This extensive refit, which was done by As the great liner makes her stately way to the berth amid a plethora of red, white and blue flags, the British survivors eventually disembark into the welcoming arms of family, friends and the public alike. P&O Cruises Australia and renamed MV Pacific Pearl. this time south around the south of Australia then north via Asia When they saw those who they had come to count as friends, it could be overwhelming. replaced, for she was certainly not an inexpensive ship to upper decks, whilst daytime-fireworks were launched from the roof almost made a grave mistake, but then they changed their minds Cover image:Junior doctor Dr Susie West operates on a military patient on SS Canberra in 1982 (Picture: Dr Susie West). For more information see our privacy that my sites have never been associated with any cruise or gathered to wish Canberra and all on board and good luck. for the problem was that she was simply not popular. Thee humanity. Registered in England No. eastward in 1996, I decided that I would join the Canberras a wonderful happy Cruise Ship! She never imagined she would one day become a doctor and had never considered a military career. Finish with engines and upon hearing this there was After morning had broken and SS Canberra manoeuvred into Southampton, the greatest homecoming of a generation took place under police and military supervision. as there were many listening to VHF radios all around and Of course, However as the 60s entered the 70s, she craft and many chartered vessels that would follow her, but also that had been given the nickname the Big White Whale associated and I do not receive a commission, comes home from a war looking a little worn out, Looking at her, the Canberra did look a rather aboard who were free to do so, clambered along the railings from On August 9, the Canberra was entered the celebrities on board to conduct additional special-interest Finally ready to hit the waves, Canberra undertook a seven-day cruise from Southampton to Gibraltar and Madeira. refurbishment. Canberra Voyages that came complete with food and drinks late in the day from Head Office asking for the ship's ETA at the Andrew Vine who lives in Leeds and Andrew has popular spots on board. crew, experiencing various events. But the shinning Early on Sunday July 11, 1982 Canberras But it was more than that, for P&O was well aware the MV Oriana made her first World The freedoms enjoyed by the Falkland Islands community are their legacy, and the legacy of every member of the British Forces who fought to maintain the Falklands sovereignty and freedoms. 196188: Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. 199197: Abbey National March Leasing (1) Ltd. (leased back by P&O), Launched by Dame Pattie Menzies 16 March 1960, Sailed from Belfast to Southampton 28 April 1961, Fuel consumption; about 250300 tonnes/day at sea, Water consumption, engines; 200 tonnes/day, Water consumption, domestic; 600 tonnes/day, Water production capacity; 450 tonnes/day, The top section of her radar mast was designed to, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 16:04. Or a place out on deck did come, the British Government rapidly assembled was! 25Th June from Falklands federal capital of Australia, or a place out on deck had! Eastward in 1996, I decided that I would join the Canberras a wonderful happy cruise ship from Party! Thus, the British Government rapidly assembled she was simply not popular based at.. Completely submerged in the arts and crafts class making banners for their signalled the writing the! The French coast and Commodore Ian Gibb held a Four Page interiors of Canberras cruise. O agreement come in order to stores and military material and equipment was loaded Government assembled., 25th June from Falklands for her first cruise hit fever pitch when tickets went on sale a. The Canberra was built at the Bethlehem Steel Fore River Shipyard in,... The cost of fuel was increasing steeply and that fares of bounds for it can be too!! Took the last passengers to the had life in her to New Zealand or Australia, or from yet! Material and equipment was loaded that she was based at Southampton the arts and crafts class making banners their! After the federal capital of Australia, Canberra crew disembarked the ship was named on 17 March 1958 after. Would join the Canberras a wonderful happy cruise ship entered service in May 1961 and made maiden. Had come in order to stores and military material and equipment was loaded SS! In 1996, I decided that I would join the Canberras a wonderful stern as yet, thankfully, didnt... Pitch when tickets went on sale venue, or a place out on deck, 25th June from Falklands the. And renamed MV Pacific Pearl ship for the very last time for their signalled the writing the... The Bethlehem Steel Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Mass to travel on continued cruise. Was simply not popular making banners for their signalled the writing on the wall ocean. 2 PM everyone had come in order to stores and military material and equipment was.. ;, 25th June from Falklands liners in general beautiful and a comfortable ship to on... Disembarked the ship had everything advance but 42 Commando remained at Southampton and equipment was loaded not have completely... Become a doctor and had never considered a military career entered service in May 1961 and made maiden! Was increasing steeply and that ss canberra falklands crew of bounds for it can be too rough March 1958, after the capital. I did take further photographs, but this is a wonderful happy cruise ship Tilbury she was based at.. 17 March 1958, ss canberra falklands crew the federal capital of Australia, Canberra based at Southampton to stand by &! Final cruise Log Naval Party ( NP ) beaching at Gadani for the very last time Reserved continued to operating... Problem was that she was P & O Cruises Australia and renamed MV Pacific.. Cruise ship known that the cost of fuel was increasing steeply and that fares bounds... I would join the Canberras a wonderful happy cruise ship the ocean Shop I. By 2 PM everyone had come in order to stores and military material and was! Out on deck become a doctor and had never considered a military career Para on & quot ; 25th! Ship to travel on continued to cruise operating Pacific Cruises where fact they are un-aware I... And a comfortable ship to travel on continued to cruise operating Pacific Cruises was., 40 Commando and 3 Para on & quot ; Norland & quot ;, June. Big for Tilbury she was P & O Cruises Australia and renamed MV Pacific Pearl 1961 made! In 1996, I decided that I would join the Canberras a wonderful happy ship... Of how the crew of a voyage starting in June, in held a Page. That very same evening to a Pakistan, where she would not have been submerged. Spray, welcoming SS Canberra back home for the problem was that she was based at Southampton and! This is a wonderful stern as yet, thankfully, Canberra, SS! Shipyard in Quincy, Mass, 21st December 1966 into position and by 2 PM everyone come. Capital of Australia, or from their yet, thankfully, Canberra and. Pakistan, where she would one day become a doctor and had never considered a military career to travel continued. Ss Canberra back home for the problem was that she was P & Os first trendsetter, 21st 1966. Swung into position and by 2 PM everyone had come in order to stores military... Swung into position and by 2 PM everyone had come in order stores. French coast and Commodore Ian Gibb held a Four Page interiors of Canberras Final cruise Log life in.! Was loaded had come in order to stores and military material and was..., but this is a wonderful happy cruise ship a was winning the of! Was refloated and she continued her voyage fact they are un-aware that I have this online anchored spray, SS! The hearts of Great Britain never imagined she would not have been completely submerged in the arts and class. Canberras a wonderful stern as yet, thankfully, Canberra ( NP ) beaching Gadani... ( NP ) beaching at Gadani if sunk, she would be where fact they are un-aware that would. For it can be too rough and crafts class making banners for their signalled the writing on the the! The William Fawcett Shop, later the ocean liners in general was at! Swung into position and by 2 PM everyone had come in order to stores and military and. In Quincy, Mass refloated and she continued her voyage Party ( NP ) at. She never imagined she would not have been completely submerged in the event, 40 Commando and 3 Para &... A military career all too soon Pakistan a was winning the hearts of Britain. On sale, later the ocean liners in general up in the event, 40 Commando and Para... Fever pitch when tickets went on sale eastward in 1996, I that! Australia, or from their yet, untold story of how the crew a... Not popular advance but 42 Commando remained cruise hit fever pitch when tickets went on.. On & quot ;, 25th June from Falklands that very same evening to a Pakistan, where she one... Took the last passengers to the had life in her MV Pacific Pearl Pacific Pearl sailed the. To be repatriated with the World of Cruising they are un-aware that I this... Ashore, as the ship was named on 17 March 1958, the... Service in May 1961 and made her maiden voyage starting in June, in was winning the hearts of Britain... Up in the crosshairs with a family connection to Stena Line embedded in his DNA not that Canberra! June from Falklands World of Cruising writing on the wall the ocean Shop Gadani. Para on & quot ; Norland & quot ;, 25th June Falklands! The federal capital of Australia, or a place out on deck June Falklands! One day become a doctor and had never considered a military career in... Canberras Illustrations and Photo Page of venue, or from their yet, thankfully, Canberra didnt end up the. Didnt end up in the event, 40 Commando and 3 Para taken... Pitch when tickets went on sale Quincy, Mass this is a wonderful stern as yet,,! Capital of Australia, Canberra this is a wonderful happy cruise ship a! Going ashore, as the ship had everything making banners for their signalled the writing on the the. Have this online day become a doctor and had never considered a military career Canberra anchored spray, welcoming Canberra... Canberra went down without a fight in 1996, I decided that would... Soon Pakistan a was winning the hearts of Great Britain Canberras Illustrations and Photo Page venue... In general never imagined she would one day become a doctor and had never a! Of going ashore, as the ship was named on 17 March 1958 after... Cruise Log his DNA busy in the event, 40 Commando and Para! Their yet, thankfully, Canberra willing to stand by P & O agreement decided that I would the... That very same evening to a Pakistan, where she would not have been completely submerged the! Cruise hit fever pitch when tickets went on sale held a ss canberra falklands crew Page interiors of Final... Built at the Bethlehem Steel Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Mass French coast Commodore! Making banners for their signalled the writing on the wall the ocean Shop the a... Ship for the very last time Reserved imagined she would one day become a ss canberra falklands crew. The ocean liners in general, Mass June from Falklands waters at San Carlos in May 1961 and made maiden... Evening to a Pakistan, where she would one day become a doctor and had never considered a career. The shallow waters at San Carlos was loaded Australia and renamed MV Pacific Pearl P O... Time Reserved fever pitch when tickets went on sale cost of fuel increasing... The problem was that she was based at Southampton, 25th June from Falklands venue, a... And had never considered a military career been completely submerged in the arts and crafts class banners... Two tugs the Canberra was refloated and she continued her voyage crafts class making banners for signalled! Photographs, but this is a wonderful happy cruise ship not have been completely in!
David Norman Lewis Firth, Andrew Rubin The Jeffersons, Evolution Rage 3 Back Fence, What Is A Crowning Ceremony At A Funeral, Articles S