Exploring the Legacy of The Queen MaryEverything You Want to Know

John Brown & Co. to Build New Cunard Liner | 5/28/1930

Cunard Line announces that John Brown & Company, LTD., of Clydebank, Scotland, had been selected as builder of the new liner.

Keel Plate Laid for Queen Mary | 12/1/1930

First keel plate is laid for job #534 (which was eventually named the Queen Mary) at John Brown Shipyard.

The Great Depression Hits | 6/30/1931

Work begins on the new Southampton dry dock, to be known as the King George V Graving Dock.

Job #534: Construction Stopped by Great Depression | 12/11/1931

Work halts on Job #534 because of the Great Depression and an inability to secure further bank loans. The hull plating is 80% completed and the ship stands nine stories high.

Royal Couple Opens World's Largest Dock | 7/26/1933

The King George V Graving Dock is officially opened with King George V and Queen Mary steaming into the dry dock aboard the Royal Yacht, Victoria and Albert. The dock is the largest in the world at the time. It is 1,200 feet long, 135 feet wide at its entrance, 59 feet deep, holds 58 million gallons of water, and can hold any ship up to 100,000 tons.

The Merger | 1/1/1934

The effective date for transferring the assets of the Cunard Steamship Company and the White Star Line, to the newly formed Cunard White Star, LTD. Cunard was credited with 62% of the share capital and White Star with 38%.

North Atlantic Shipping Bill Passes | 3/27/1934

The North Atlantic Shipping Bill is passed. The British Treasury makes advances of £4,500,000 toward the completion of #534, and authority was to be sought to make an advance not to exceed £5,000,000 for a second liner.

Construction Resumes | 4/3/1934

After 28 months, construction resumes on job #534.

Shipping Giants Merge | 5/11/1934

Rivals Cunard Line and White Star are forced to merge.

Named the Queen Mary | 9/26/1934

Job #534 is launched, and named the Queen Mary by her Majesty Queen Mary, accompanied by His Majesty King George V. The ship is moved to the nearby fitting out basin.

Installation of Boilers | 9/28/1934

Installation of boilers begins around this date.

Installation of Boilers | 11/6/1934

Installation of engines and almost all of the heavy machinery is completed. Funnels and both masts are in position.

The Maiden Voyage | 3/5/1935

King Edward VIII makes inspection tour of the ship.

Queen Mary's Eventful Departure and Lifeboat Arrival | 3/24/1935

The Queen Mary departs John Brown Shipyard, steaming down the Clyde River to Gourock, Scotland. The ship goes aground twice despite prior dredging of the river and her shallow draft. Anchor trials and adjustment of the magnetic compasses are made off Gourock. Twenty of the Queen Mary's lifeboats were left off the ship to save weight. Since they were manufactured in Gourock, the lifeboats were lifted into their davits upon ship's arrival.

Speed Trials to Southampton | 3/25/1935

Preliminary speed trials are made on the way to Southampton.

Dry Docking the Queen Mary | 4/8/1935

From March 27th - April 8th, The Queen Mary was dry docked in King George V Graving Dock.

Lord Burghley's Record-Breaking Lap | 4/19/1935

From April 15-19th, official speed trials are held in the Irish Sea off the Isle of Arran. British Olympic runner Lord Burghley runs one lap (400 yards) in evening dress around the Promenade Deck in under 60 seconds.

Queen Mary's Move | 5/12/1935

The ship is officially handed over from John Brown Shipyard to Cunard White Star Line at exactly noon.

Royal Visit and Presentation | 5/25/1935

King Edward VIII, Her Majesty Queen Mary, the young Princess Elizabeth, the Duke and Duchess of York (soon to be King George VI and Queen Elizabeth), the Duke and Duchess of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester visit the ship. Queen Mary presents her personal standard to the ship. It was displayed at the head of the main staircase on Promenade Deck and is now located on board the Queen Elizabeth 2.

Queen Mary's Maiden Voyage | 5/27/1935

The Queen Mary departs Southampton at 4:33 p.m. on her maiden voyage, arriving in Cherbourg, France at 8:47 p.m. and departing at 12:39 a.m. the following morning.

Arrival in New York | 6/1/1935

Arrival at Pier 90 in New York at 4:20 p.m. Crossing time: 5 days, 5 hours and 13 minutes.

Arrival in New York | 8/31/1935

On her sixth round-trip voyage, from August 19-31st, the Queen Mary wins the Blue Riband for the fastest North Atlantic crossings from the French Line's Normandie. The Normandie wins the honor back in 1937.

Queen Mary Reclaims Blue Riband | 8/15/1938

Won the Blue Riband back from the Normandie on her 48th round-trip voyage. The Queen Mary held the record.

The World Record | 10/8/1938

Docked without the aid of tugboats in New York, by Commodore Irving. Voyage #53 West.

Final Peacetime Voyage | 8/30/1939

Departed Southampton on final peacetime voyage, carrying her largest number of passengers: 2,552, including Mr. & Mrs. Bob Hope and millions in gold bullion.

Portholes | 9/2/1939

Crew members black out ship's portholes.

War Declared | 9/3/1939

England and France declared war on Germany.

NY Arrival | 9/4/1939

The Queen Mary arrives in New York.

The Birth of the Grey Ghost | 3/21/1940

Departs New York for Sydney, Australia, to be fitted as a troopship. Accommodations increased from 2,140 to 5,500.

First Troop Transport Voyage | 5/5/1940

First voyage as a troop transport. Sailed in convoy with Aquitania, Mauretania (II), Empress of Britain, Empress of Canada, and Empress of Japan, from Sydney, Australia, to Gourock, Scotland, with 5,500 troops.

Dry Docked in Singapore | 9/16/1940

From August 5-September 16th, dry docked in Singapore. Paravanes fitted.

Hull Damage and Troop Increase | 12/13/1940

Hull damaged while entering dry dock in Boston Naval Shipyard. Troop capacity increased.

Hull Damage and Troop Increase | 2/8/1942

From January 27-February 8th, the Queen Mary was dry docked in Boston Naval Shipyard after some hull damage. Troop capacity increased.

Boston to Sydney | 3/28/1942

From February 18 - March 28th - "40 Days and 40 Nights" voyage from Boston to Sydney, Australia. First time the Queen Mary carried American troops (8,398 troops, 905 crew).

Carries Over 10,000 People | 5/16/1942

On the May 11-16th voyage, more than 10,000 people traveled on a single ship for the first time. The ship carried 9,880 troops and 875 crew members.

First Armored Infantry Division on Ship | 8/7/1942

From August 2nd to 7th, it was the first time that a complete division was carried on any ship. The First Armored Infantry Division consisted of 15,125 troops and 863 crew members.

Queen Mary Collides with Cruiser Curacoa | 10/2/1942

The Queen Mary collides with British light cruiser Curacoa. Seventy tons of cement are used to temporarily patch the bow in Gourock, Scotland.

Dry-Docked for Bow Replacement |10/2/1942

From October 14th to November 2nd, the ship was dry-docked in Boston Naval Shipyard to install a new, more permanent bow piece.

From Gourock to Suez and Back Again | 4/22/1943

Spanning from December 23, 1942 to April 22, 1943, "The Long Voyage" went from Gourock to Suez, Sydney, Australia and returned to Gourock. The total mileage covered was 37,943 miles. The ship was transferred to the Atlantic Ocean.

Churchill and 5,000 POWs sail to meet Roosevelt | 5/11/1943

From May 5th to 11th, Winston Churchill was transported from Gourock to New York to meet with President Roosevelt. Additionally, there were 5,000 German prisoners of war on board.

Record-breaking troop transport vessel | 7/30/1943

From July 25th to July 30th, The Queen Mary carried the greatest number of people on a floating vessel: 15,740 troops, 943 crew. Total: 16,683.

Record-breaking troop transport vessel | 8/9/1943

From August 5-9th, Winston Churchill was transported from Gourock to Halifax, Canada, for 2nd Quebec "Quadrant" conference.

Churchill Returns to Gourock | 8/31/1943

Winston Churchil returns to Gourock, Scotland, with 15,116 troops.

D-Day | 6/6/1944

D-Day Invasion of Europe.

The War Nears an End | 4/19/1945

Armament removed from ship, except the six-inch gun.

VE Day | 5/7/1945

VE DAY (Victory Europe)

Troops Transported | 8/1/1945

14,833 troops and 1,000 crew transported. total: 15,883.

Funnels Repainted | 8/29/1945

Funnels repainted in Cunard colors.

Six War-Bride Voyages | 5/19/1946

Between February 3rd and May 19th, six war-bride voyages transported a total of 12,886 European brides and children to the United States and Canada.

Seven War-Bride Voyages | 9/18/1946

Seven war-bride voyages, from May 23rd to September 18th, transported European brides and children to Canada. Ten stowaways were discovered on the first crossing.

Docked in NY | 2/10/1946

Docked in New York without the aid of tugs.

Final Military Voyage | 9/27/1946

From September 24th-27th, the Queen Mary made its final military voyage from Halifax to South Hampton.

Passenger Ship Restoration | 5/3/1947

From February 15th to May 3rd, work to restore the ship for passenger service will begin at the King George Dry Dock.

Furnishings Reinstalled | 7/24/1947

From May 3rd to July 24th, furnishings were reinstalled after being recovered from different ports around the world.

Meeting the Queen Elizabeth | 7/25/1947

Participating in the post-war sea trials in the English Channel from July 23-25 and met the Queen Elizabeth for the first time during peace off the coast of South Hampton in the Solant just off Cowes.

First post-war voyage| 7/31/1947

First post-war voyage departs South Hampton New York with 1,897 passengers, 1,280 crew members under the command of Commodore Illingworth.

Cunard's Acquisition and Merger with White Star Line| 12/31/1949

In 1947, Cunard shareholders acquired the 38% of Cunard-White Star that they didn't already own and in 1949 bought out the entire company, operating individually as the Cunard Line. The Cunard Line and White Star line merged in 1934 when the two companies had experienced financial difficulties.

Walt Disney Sails Aboard | 6/20/1951

From June 15th - June 20th, Walt Disney sails aboard the Queen Mary to attend European Premier of Alice in Wonderland.

Churchill and Eden sail to visit Truman | 12/31/1951

Winston Churchill and Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden sail aboard the Queen Mary to visit with President Harry S. Truman.

Blue Riband | 7/15/1952

The SS United States secures Blue Riband traveling from Bishop Rock to Ambrose Light in 3 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes. The Queen Mary held the Blue Riband since August 8, 1938.

Churchill to meet Eisenhower | 1/20/1953

From January 15th to 20th, Winston Churchill sailed to meet President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Return to England | 11/1/1954

Queen Elizabeth returns to England aboard the Queen Mary after three-week good will tour of Canada and the United States.

Stabilizers Installed | 3/26/1958

Stabilizers were installed aboard the ship at King George Dry Dock in Southampton from January 26th to March 26th.

Record turnaround in New York | 4/23/1958

Record turnaround in New York of 17 hours and 58 minutes. In the early days, the ship would be in port for 36 hours.

Gold & Silver Transport | 2/1/1961

Queen Mary transported 36 tons of gold and silver from South Hampton to New York.

The Beginning of The End | 3/9/1962

Wave floods parts of Main, A and B Decks. Voyage #382 East.

Docked in New York: Voyage #397 | 10/2/1962

Docked without the aid of tugs in New York, by Captain Watts. Voyage #397 West.

Docked in New York: Voyage #419 | 10/1/1963

Docked without tugs in New York, by Captain S.A. Jones. Voyage #419.

First Cruise: Voyage #419 | 12/29/1963

From December 23-29, the first cruise was from Southampton to Las Palmas, Voyage #425.

Mediterranean Cruise: Voyage #477 | 3/23/1966

From February 25 to March 23, the Mediterranean cruise will cover the following destinations: New York, Las Palmas, Tangier, Piraeus, Naples, Cannes, Palma, Gibraltar, Lisbon, Madeira and then back to New York. The voyage number is #477.

Queen Mary for Sale | 4/1/1966

Cunard announces that the Queen Mary is for sale.

Last Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing: Voyage #513 | 7/27/1967

September 22 - 27, Final Eastbound transatlantic crossing. Voyage #513 East.

Voyage #514 | 10/19/1967

October 13th-19th: Cruise from Southampton to Las Palmas and Gibraltar, Voyage #514.

Voyage #516 | 10/31/1967

Departed Southampton on Final Voyage to Long Beach, California. Voyage #516.

Arrival in Long Beach | 12/9/1967

The Queen Mary arrives in Long Beach, California.

Removed from British Registry and Turned Over to Long Beach | 12/11/1967

Removed from British registry and officially turned over to the City of Long Beach. Ship also became fully dependent on shore-side utilities.

Long Beach Naval Shipyard | 5/18/1968

April 6 to May 18, the ship was dry docked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard.

Moved to Pier J | 2/27/1971

The Queen Mary moved to Pier J.

Queen Mary Weekend Tours: Power Train and Upper Decks | 5/8/1971

Queen Mary Story and Power Train Tour, and Upper Decks opened, weekends only.

"Living Sea" Portion of M.O.T.S. Opens | 12/11/1971

Jacques Cousteau's "Living Sea" portion of Museum of the Sea (M.O.T.S.) opens.

Attendance Record | 2/20/1972

Largest day’s attendance: 19,600.

Hotel Opens | 3/1/1974

First 150 hotel rooms opened.

Queen Mary Tour Inc. Takes Over Museum of the Sea | 10/1/1976

Queen Mary Tour Inc. takes over operation of Museum of the Sea.

Lease Signed | 9/1/1980

Wrather Port Properties Ltd., a subsidiary of Wrather Corporation, signs a 66-year lease to manage the Queen Mary and adjoining acreage.

Spruce Goose Flying Boat Opening | 5/14/1983

Howards Hughes’ Spruce Goose flying boat opens to the public next to the Queen Mary.

Disney Buys Wrather Corp for $152M | 3/29/1988

Walt Disney Company buys Wrather Corporation for $152 million. The agreement includes the Disneyland Hotel, and management of the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose property.

Queen Mary Returns to City of Long Beach Control | 1/1/1992

City of Long Beach resumes responsibility for the Queen Mary from the Port of Long Beach.

Aero Club Sells Spruce Goose to Evergreen Aviation | 3/1/1992

Aero Club of Southern California announces sale of Spruce Goose to Evergreen International Aviation Inc. in McMinnville, Oregon.

Disney Notifies Queen Mary of Lease Termination | 3/6/1992

Disney advises the City and Port of Long Beach that it will end its lease for the operation of the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose. The company agrees to operate the attraction until September 30, 1992.

Meeting of Cunard Legends | 2/23/2006

Two Cunard legends meet for the first time. The new Queen Mary 2 sailed into the port of Long Beach and greeted her historic namesake, the original Queen Mary. The two ships saluted each other with their one-ton signaling horns.

Nate Brightman Radio Room | 10/28/2007

The Queen Mary’s amateur radio station (W6RO) is renamed the Nate Brightman Radio Room in honor of Mr. Brightman’s more than 40 years old dedication to the station.

40 Year Celebration | 12/9/2007

The Queen Mary celebrates 40 years in Long Beach.