Part of the QE2, which is now moored in Dubai, serves as a heritage museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2's longest-serving chief engineer John Chillingworth was on June 8 marking 40 years since he took up the position, beside the ship in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mr Chillingworth in the engine control room. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mr Chillingworth joined Cunard in Southampton and the QE2 as an engineer cadet at 19, then a junior officer. Chris Whiteoak / The National
On June 8, John marked 40 years of service on the QE2 and he continues to develop the ship as a tourist attraction. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2 now is a retired British passenger ship but has been converted into a floating hotel and museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The special relationship room is a recent addition opened by Princess Anne, who visited Dubai in March. The small museum is dedicated to intrigue surrounding a bomb hoax that caused mild panic on board the luxury ocean liner in 1972. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2 was the flagship of Britain's merchant navy and was considered by some to be the greatest ship in history. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OGF2XJNKEBAXLIOCQKL57Q6K3E.jpeg?smart=true&auth=87d8259bf4bb7fa7ee8b10dfa5ecd3f1c1c378e2b966325d49f0593e59dafc5c&width=400&height=225)
The QE2 was deployed as a troop carrier to the Falklands in 1982 as Britain briefly went to war with Argentina over its sovereignty. Photo: John Chillingworth
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XRVOOKT5AZBL5CVVCIW4C3Z6XY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=2f667c69288d8f7734bd2e0bd04b36721cafae711f3fa999587699e7c48ba1df&width=400&height=225)
Chief engineer Mr Chillingworth pictured during the Falklands War in 1982. Photo: John Chillingworth
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T37E35EFTBEHVBNXTJ7AYUXHKY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=0ae57aebec25ae2fa48c0b7c4471e31bf26050f76adf2a93838dfb6d10bdd0e5&width=400&height=225)
Mr Chillingworth served on board the QE2 at sea for 20 years. Photo: John Chillingworth
Part of the QE2, which is now moored in Dubai, serves as a heritage museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2's longest-serving chief engineer John Chillingworth was on June 8 marking 40 years since he took up the position, beside the ship in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mr Chillingworth in the engine control room. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mr Chillingworth joined Cunard in Southampton and the QE2 as an engineer cadet at 19, then a junior officer. Chris Whiteoak / The National
On June 8, John marked 40 years of service on the QE2 and he continues to develop the ship as a tourist attraction. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2 now is a retired British passenger ship but has been converted into a floating hotel and museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The special relationship room is a recent addition opened by Princess Anne, who visited Dubai in March. The small museum is dedicated to intrigue surrounding a bomb hoax that caused mild panic on board the luxury ocean liner in 1972. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2 was the flagship of Britain's merchant navy and was considered by some to be the greatest ship in history. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OGF2XJNKEBAXLIOCQKL57Q6K3E.jpeg?smart=true&auth=87d8259bf4bb7fa7ee8b10dfa5ecd3f1c1c378e2b966325d49f0593e59dafc5c&width=400&height=225)
The QE2 was deployed as a troop carrier to the Falklands in 1982 as Britain briefly went to war with Argentina over its sovereignty. Photo: John Chillingworth
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XRVOOKT5AZBL5CVVCIW4C3Z6XY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=2f667c69288d8f7734bd2e0bd04b36721cafae711f3fa999587699e7c48ba1df&width=400&height=225)
Chief engineer Mr Chillingworth pictured during the Falklands War in 1982. Photo: John Chillingworth
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T37E35EFTBEHVBNXTJ7AYUXHKY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=0ae57aebec25ae2fa48c0b7c4471e31bf26050f76adf2a93838dfb6d10bdd0e5&width=400&height=225)
Mr Chillingworth served on board the QE2 at sea for 20 years. Photo: John Chillingworth
Part of the QE2, which is now moored in Dubai, serves as a heritage museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National
From bomb hoaxes to hurricanes: Long-serving QE2 chief engineer tells of life at sea
John Chillingworth prepares to open engine room tours of the famous ship to visitors
![Nick Webster](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F9cfba7f3-8cc8-4789-bcec-97bd0007d9ef.png?smart=true&auth=96a9a5766af20e4704e52306e74ecd02669a7e0ffd084d4151d31e0039a945d3&width=70&height=70)
Nick Webster
10 June, 2024
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