The RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, or QE2, has completed Her final voyage from Southampton to Dubai to become a floating hotel, but, in many ways, She is shrouded in mystery, a veritable undercover camel traipsing through the silent deserts of 'secrecy' on an errand to who-knows-where.
To commemorate Her final journey, and to celebrate what is arguably the most distinguished and well-loved battleship in Britain's fleet, here are ten things you probably didn't know about the QE2:
1. The QE2 is very much bigger than She actually looks; 4/5 is underwater
2. She can achieve an unbelievable top speed of 65 knots at Warp Factor 7
3. The vessel has an emergency power service - 4000 African slaves in leg-irons, who live below deck and paddle with oars
4. Ship's purser Arthur Gribbald was born onboard, and has never set foot on dry land
5. She is to become a floating hotel serving Full English Breakfast 24/7
6. The QE2 can be seen from the moon
7. The QE2 cannot be detroyed by human hands; Her only weakness would be rust
8. Can become a submersible, and submerge to a depth of 20 fathoms
9. Carries a nuclear bomb which can be detonated by captain to avoid capture by 'opposing forces'
10. A cup of tea in the cafeteria costs £18.50, and the bogs reek of piss
God Bless the QE2, and all who eat in Her!
