Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: Queen Elizabeth II

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Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: Queen Elizabeth II

AssociatedAssociated with Lord Mountbatten of Burma (Frogmore House, Windsor, England, 1900 - 1979)

Medallist John Pinches, Medallists

DateMay 2004

Object NameMedal

MediumSterling Silver

ClassificationsMedals

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS072500.104

Keywords

Commemorative

About MeThe need to replace the two great 'Queens,' the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth, had become urgent by 1959, the year that the Cunard Steam Ship Company announced that negotiations were in progress between the Company and the Government concerning the future of British services between Southampton, Cherbourg and New York. Prolonged and complicated negotiations ensued before agreement was reached with the Government for a loan to Cunard of up to £24 million for the construction of a replacement liner which would meet the changed requirements of the 1960s.

With the rapid growth of efficient and speedy air transport, the demand for a regular, year round transatlantic ocean passenger service had been greatly diminished Over the previous year, although there were still many who were prepared to forego speed in transit in order to enjoy the relaxation of a comfortable sea voyage. Consequently, the replacement 'Queen' was designed to have a dual role as transatlantic liner in the summer months when travellers still enjoyed the sea passage, but adapted in the winter months to the lucrative cruise trade, mainly sailing between New York and the West Indies.

The new vessel was ordered from John Brown & Company Limited; Clydebank, by this time part of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited, Clydebank Division and the contract was dated 30th December, 1964. The keel was laid on the 5th July, 1965 and the fine new vessel was launched by H.M. the Queen on the 20th September, 1967, being named Queen Elizabeth II.

The new Cunard ship undertook her trials between the 26th and 29th November, 1968, and having been handed over to her owners on 1st January, 1969, sailed on her maiden voyage to New York on 17th January, 1969.

With a gross tonnage of 65,863 tons, the ship measured 963 feet in length and 105.3 feet in breadth. Her four steam turbines, built by John Brown Engineering (Clydebank) Limited, were double-reduction geared to two screw shafts with the capability of developing 110,000 shaft horsepower giving the liner a service speed of 28 ½ knots.

Queen Elizabeth II has accommodation for 2,025 passengers. Particular attention was paid to interior design and decor, as was appropriate for a vessel to serve for much of her time as a cruise ship sailing from the United States of America. With two outdoor and two indoor swimming pools, a theatre, a cinema, a night club and a church, the vessel meets the needs of the discriminating passenger in search of comfort.

The Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea, John Pinches Medallists Ltd.