QE2's final farewell to Southampton 11 November 2008

14th November 2008

The day arrived for the final departure of Queen Elizabeth 2 from Southampton after over 40 years’ famous and faithful service. It was a crisp sunny day, which enabled the old lady to look her best at her mooring at the Queen Elizabeth 2 terminal, from the vantage points of Hythe Pier and the Hythe Ferry. The most poignant moment (for this was Armistice Day) was when a Harrier jump-jet flew up Southampton Water, hovered over QE2, then turned and bowed to its fellow Falklands veteran before flying off.

Her departure on her final voyage to Dubai, where she will become a luxury floating hotel, was not until the evening, when I joined Maid of Poole, working with Blue Funnel as one of the hundred plus vessels which surrounded QE2 throughout the evening. Still photography proved impossible, but a short video is available at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=s-RNm1TnHaA . The video quality is poor but it provides a glimpse of the impressive firework display opposite Mayflower Park and a last opportunity to hear that distinctive booming whistle in British waters.

Click on the title bar above to see thumbnails of each picture. Click on each thumbnail to see the full picture. Email me on pjh.weblinks@btinternet.com to request a full size image file to be emailed to you: don't forget to quote the DSCF number(s)!

QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from Hythe Pier 1024x768 DSCF6028.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from Hythe Pier 1024x768 DSCF6029.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from Hythe Pier 1024x768 DSCF6031.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from Hythe Pier 1024x768 DSCF6034.JPG
QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from Hythe Pier 1024x768 DSCF6041.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from Hythe Pier 1024x768 DSCF6043.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from the Hythe ferry 1024x768 DSCF6048.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from the Hythe ferry 1024x768 DSCF6052.JPG
QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from the Hythe ferry 1024x768 DSCF6055.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from the Hythe ferry 1024x768 DSCF6058.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from the Hythe ferry 1024x768 DSCF6060.JPG	QE2 at the QEII terminal, seen from the Hythe ferry 1024x768 DSCF6063.JPG