大象传媒

8th.
>January 2004.
>
>Dear Editor,
>
>Topical item; - with the docking of the Queen Mary 2, has brought back my
>memories of the first Q.M.
>I was lucky enough to get a free trip on this to New York, many years ago!
>
>I had to work my passage though, so not exactly free!
>
>Entertainment was given by several concerts on board by the Glen Miller
>Orchestra, who were returning to the USA, - of course, no Glen!
>
>My work? well myself & 2 others, with 3 "Dems"made up the six man crew of
>one of the 3" Gun Crews, the ship carried 4 x 3" Guns, mounted on 15ft.
>high platforms, at each end of the Boat Decks. There was a 6" Gun mounted
>at the end of the aft. deck. In addition, Bofors, Orlikons etc. also what
>looked like rows of depth charges on either side of the aft. end deck!
>
>Of course, you've guessed the year viz 1945, we were all RAF Aircrew NCOs,
>on our way to Nassau, fortunately, we were stationed for a while at Camp
>Kilmer N.J. (70,000 capacity), mainly on furlough so were fortunate to
>experience both V.E.Days in New York.
>
>The was of course much more to this true story, just to mention, 15 PXs on
>Camp, no rationing, no Black Outs! - Free tickets to all the top shows
>in New York City, everything you wanted to buy, eat drink sweets etc. etc.
>Invites to stay in plush homes in Conn. & New England. Pullman
>Train Pennsylvania Station to Miami, -Fantastic!
>
>I must fish out some of my camp passes, identity etc. photos. Papers.
>
>Most important feature of all; - the QM & QE Ships were responsible for
>winning (Who wins?) the 2nd. World War.
>
>They together brought over to England 15,000 (one division) troops each
>week, there was no other way this could have been done, not only from the
>USA but also Commonwealth Airmen from S.Africa etc.
>
>They, or at least one should have been kept for the Nation! not just
>dumped to H.Kong & America, such a sad ending for such gallant Ships?
>
> Cheers,
>Reg. Moores
>
>
>

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