Cunard Line Joins Queen Mary’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in Long Beach

Last Friday, May 27, Cunard Line joined well-wishers aboard Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, to pay tribute to the legendary ocean liner on the 75th anniversary of her maiden 1936 Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York. A General Manager’s reception kicked off the celebrations and included maritime devotees and historians, former crew members, and past guests of the iconic ship.

Also in attendance was a group of World War II squadron members, reunited for the first time since Queen Mary carried them across the North Atlantic during her service days as the Grey Ghost. Among these guests was Stuart Babcock (pictured here with Cunard spokeswoman Jackie Chase) of Hartford, Connecticut, who was with the 34th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron and sailed aboard a 6-day Queen Mary Crossing on March 21, 1944 from New York’s Pier 90 to Glasgow, Scotland. Flying alone and armed only with cameras, the WWII photo reconnaissance squadrons were the eyes of the allied armies over every battlefield. Accompanied by his daughter, Susan, for the anniversary celebrations, Babcock was visibly moved to be back on board the vessel for the first time since his journey during the war.

Representing Cunard at the reception, spokeswoman Jackie Chase presented a commemorative print to John Thomas, Queen Mary’s historical consultant and master of ceremonies, that mentioned references to the ship’s dramatic impact on the 20th century, including Winston Churchill’s famous accolade about Cunard’s role in ending WWII one year early due to Queen Mary’s transport of thousands of American troops between the United States and Great Britain.

“Queen Mary is an icon of the 20th century who shall forever remain one of the world’s most beloved ocean liners, and an enduring symbol of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom,” said Ms. Chase, sharing excerpts from the commemorative print. “Since 1967, when Queen Mary retired to her new home in Long Beach, California, she has continued to fascinate visitors from all over the globe. She lives to bear witness to the revival of Cunard’s ocean liner renaissance with the advent of her namesake Queen Mary 2, which proudly carries on the company’s traditions, heritage and hallmarks made famous by Queen Mary.”

The 75th anniversary festivities continued throughout the weekend and included a fireworks show over Long Beach Harbor.

Photo Courtesy of Cunard Line