The QE2's role in the Falklands War is remembered during 30th anniversary commemorations. On Friday 2 April 1982 Argentinian forces invaded the British Overseas Territory along with South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Amongst the naval and aerial taskforce sent by the British Government to retake the Islands were 52 merchant vessels including the QE2. On 3 May 1982 the British Government requisitioned the QE2 and she was converted to a troop ship in just nine days. 3,000 members of the 5th Infantry Brigade sailed from Southampton on 12 May 1982.
The QE2 arrived at South Georgia on 27 May, transferring her complement P&O's Canberra for the final 1,500 miles to the Falklands. The QE2 headed the 6,976 mile journey back to home waters carrying survivors of the HMS Coventry, HMS Antelope and HMS Ardent, arriving safely into Southampton on 11 June 1982. Remarkably some 650 crew members, including her captain, Captain Peter Jackson, officers and crew of the QE2 volunteered to sail with the task force.
On 2 December 1982 a plaque presented by First Sea Lord Sir John Fieldhouse to the QE2 commemorating her role in the Falklands War was unveiled by the Queen Mother.
View all news stories »