R.M.S. Queen Mary, Southampton, 25th September, 1956
To: Mr. T. McLaren Esq.,
The Superintendant Engineer, Liverpool
Sir,
I wish to report the arrival of this vessel at Southampton on completion of Voyage 267, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg and return.
Westbound:
The vessel departed Cherbourg at 3.12 a.m. on the 14th September 1956 and revolutions were gradually increased to 172 r.p.m., increasing to 174 r.p.m. at noon on the same day.
These revolutions were maintained until 4.00 p.m. on the 17th September when revolutions were reduced to 168 r.p.m. A further reduction came at 3.57 a.m. on the 18th September when revolutions were reduced to 140 r.p.m.
Further reductions were then carried out to the Master's orders to arrive at A.C.L.V. on Schedule.
New York:
7675 tons of oil fuel were shipped in New York and the vessel departed Pier 90 with 8640 tons on board.
Two (2) water tube boilers were cleaned externally, also the centre funnel uptakes and lower hatch platforms etc. by the Harbor Marine Corp.
Eastbound:
The vessel departed the Company's berth at 6.00 p.m. on the 19th September 1956 and cleared A.C.L.V. at 8.12 p.m. the same day, when revolutions were gradually increased to 172 r.p.m., increasing to 175 r.p.m. at 6.00 a.m. the following day.
These revolutions were maintained until 5.58 a.m. on the 24th September 1956 when revolutions were reduced to 168 r.p.m., further reducing to 145 r.p.m. at 10.30 a.m. the same day.
Further reductions were then carried out to the Master's orders to arrive at Cherbourg on schedule.
The Egnineer Officers' Accomodation has been inspected daily by the Staff Chief Engineer and a Platform Second Engineer Officer.
The Ratings' Quarters have been inspected daily and an Engineer Officer has attended their mess-room at all meal times, no complaint of any note being received.
Emergency and Fire Drills were carried out in the Department during the Westbound and Eastbound Passages.
Ventilation: The supply and exhaust fans have been maintained at maximum speeds practically the entire voyage, and have run satisfactorily. Complaints were received of heat in various parts of the ship, during periods of hot and humid weather.
Turkish Baths: Further complaints were received about the heat in the Electric Bath Room, now used for Physiotherapy.
Engine & Boiler Rooms: Nos 1 and 2 Hotel Service. Nos. 3 and 4 Main Machinery Generators have been cleaned and blown out. Brush gear checked.
Cinema Equipment: The reconditioned lenses for the Tourist Cinema which were returned this voyage are still unsatisfactory. The new type lenses lenses at present in service show a clear and bright picture. The service engineer has taken out spare amplifier for repair ashore.
The following are the particulars of the Westbound and Eastbound Passages:
Oil Fuel per hour: WB 45.77 EB 48.42 tons.
Oil Fuel per 24 hours: WB 1098.48 EB 1162.08 tons.
Oil Fuel per Mile: WB 1.6260 EB 1.6715 tons
Oil Fuel per 3000 Miles: WB 4878.00 EB 5014.50 tons.
All domestic services have been maintained in a satisfactory manner.
All Engineer and Electrical Officers have carried out their duties to my satisfaction.
The general health of the Department has been good throughout the voyage with the exception of Mr. J. B. Balmer Electrical Officer, Article No. U 218, who paid off on medical grounds during the vessel's stay in New York. Owing to the nature of his illness Mr. J. B. Balmer was detained in hospital Ashore.
Yours faithfully,
R. Johnston
Chief Engineer
