Launch of the RMS Queen Mary

Date and Location

• Event: Launch of the RMS Queen Mary
• Date: September 26, 1934
• Location: John Brown & Company shipyards, Clydebank, Scotland

Context and Background

The RMS Queen Mary was launched during an era of intense competition among transatlantic ocean liners. The ship was a part of the Cunard Line, which was striving to outpace its rivals in luxury, size, and speed. The Great Depression had delayed her construction, which initially began in December 1930 under the hull number 534. The economic downturn led to a suspension of work on the ship until an arrangement between the British government and Cunard resulted in a merger with the White Star Line and secured funding to complete the construction.

Key Details of the Launch

The launch of the RMS Queen Mary was a significant event attended by over 200,000 spectators, including prominent figures and dignitaries. Queen Mary, the wife of King George V, performed the christening ceremony, giving the ship her royal name. This launch symbolized hope and resilience during a period of economic hardship, as well as the renewal of the British shipbuilding industry.

Ship Specifications

• Tonnage: Approximately 81,000 tons
• Length: 1,019.4 feet (310 meters)
• Capacity: Designed to accommodate 2,139 passengers and a crew of 1,101
• Speed: With a top speed of 32 knots, the Queen Mary was meant to capture the Blue Riband, an award for the fastest transatlantic crossing.

Significance and Legacy

Upon its completion and during its operational years, the RMS Queen Mary became an icon of engineering and luxury. She symbolized the pinnacle of shipbuilding and transatlantic travel during the early to mid-20th century. The ship served not only as a passenger liner but also played a crucial role during World War II, being converted into a troopship known as the “Grey Ghost.”

Today, the RMS Queen Mary remains a significant historical monument, permanently moored in Long Beach, California, where she serves as a museum and hotel, preserving the legacy of transatlantic ocean liners.