Member-only story

Queen Elizabeth: A Legendary Ship

Andrew Bell

·6.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Queen Elizabeth 2: Ship Of Legend

4 min read · 1 week before

389 View Claps

20 Respond

Save

Listen

By John Maxtone-Graham

The Queen Elizabeth was one of the most iconic and luxurious ocean liners ever built. She was the flagship of the Cunard Line and the largest passenger ship in the world at the time of her launch in 1940. Over the course of her long and storied career, she carried countless passengers across the Atlantic Ocean, hosted lavish parties, and played a vital role in World War II.

In this fascinating new book, historian John Maxtone-Graham tells the complete story of the Queen Elizabeth, from her design and construction to her final days at sea. Maxtone-Graham draws on a wealth of archival research and interviews with former crew members and passengers to provide a rich and detailed account of the ship's life and times.

Queen Elizabeth 2: Ship of Legend

by William H Miller

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	88559 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The Queen Elizabeth was a ship of superlatives. She was the largest, fastest, and most luxurious ocean liner in the world. She was also one of the most expensive ships ever built, costing a staggering $100 million to construct. But the Queen Elizabeth was more than just a ship. She was a symbol of British pride and prestige.

The Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyage was in 1940, just a few months after the outbreak of World War II. The ship was quickly requisitioned by the British government and converted into a troopship. For the next five years, the Queen Elizabeth transported thousands of troops to and from the war zones. She also served as a hospital ship and a transport for wounded soldiers.

After the war, the Queen Elizabeth was returned to Cunard Line and resumed her transatlantic passenger service. She quickly became one of the most popular ships in the world, carrying celebrities, royalty, and everyday people alike. The Queen Elizabeth was also a popular venue for parties and events. In 1953, she hosted the wedding reception of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

The Queen Elizabeth continued to sail the Atlantic until 1968, when she was retired from service. She was sold to a Hong Kong company and converted into a floating hotel and entertainment complex. In 1972, she was destroyed by a fire and sank in Hong Kong harbor.

The Queen Elizabeth was a legendary ship that played a vital role in British history. She was a symbol of British pride and prestige, and she carried countless passengers across the Atlantic Ocean. Her story is a fascinating one that will appeal to anyone interested in maritime history or the history of World War II.