Alison Harris was serving as an assistant purser on the Uganda when the ship was unexpectedly requisitioned for service in the Falklands War. Originally a school cruise ship, Uganda was swiftly converted into a hospital ship, with public rooms transformed into wards and a helicopter pad built over the swimming pool. Alison’s role involved maintaining detailed records of personnel onboard, including injured British and Argentine soldiers. She recalls the surreal experience of maintaining a sense of normality—printing daily menus and holding quizzes—even as the ship sailed into a war zone. Despite the challenges, including water shortages and harsh weather, she speaks of the camaraderie among the crew and the deep friendships formed. Alison reflects on the Uganda’s vital but often overlooked role in the conflict, feeling privileged to have been part of an extraordinary chapter in history.

Philip’s career at sea has covered a range of experiences including working his way up from cadet to third mate on a cargo shop and a summer season on a hovercraft, which he calls “the original vomit comet” making journeys across the Channel. He joined the Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 and spent 10 years working onboard. Philip was meant to be on leave when the ship was requisitioned to attend the Falklands but he honourably stepped up and offered to swap with a married man. As a Cunard employee, but having spent time in the Royal Navy Reserves, Philip was well placed to become the Liaison Officer between ship operations and the military. He describes in detail the changes made to the QE2 to make the ship ready for transporting over 3000 troops and the technical difficulties they had to surmount. He also recalls the press interest in the ship and how visiting dignitaries, such as the Foreign Secretary, would have to be accommodated. Philip says the mix of personnel worked well and most people rehearsed a number of roles due to the uncertainty ahead, in particular, the Gurkha troops were incredibly diligent in practicing evacuation drills. The closer they get, the more the reality hits of what is ahead as they receive news of casualties and sunken warships. Icebergs are a real threat too and having to travel without radar (in case of detection) was risky. One treacherously foggy day a Cunard officer switched the radar back on and just as well he did because it alerted them to icebergs all around. Even anchoring the ship at Grytviken was dangerous as the water was so deep. Philip is able to recall in detail the operations taking place followed by a complex refuelling process to get them home safely. The return was very emotional as they were the first major ship to get back and carrying hundreds of survivors. They were welcomed home by the Queen Mother. Philip reflects that this time was a huge adventure and not something he could ever have imagined being part of as a normal Merchant Navy sailor.