Cunard Queen Anne set to return to Liverpool for VJ Day Commemorations

Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne returns to Liverpool this week as part of Commemoration of the 80^th Anniversary of VJ Day.

The ship will make a day call at Liverpool Cruise Port on Friday 15 August as part of her Iceland and British Isles voyage and will form a majestic backdrop to commemorative events taking place throughout the day at Liverpool waterfront.

VJ Day 15 August 1945 signalled the end of the war following Japan’s surrender. For many men and women who had served in the Far East, including prisoners of war and civilian internees, it brought a long-awaited return to peace after years of hardship and captivity.

Cunard’s contribution to the war effort, planned at its headquarters in Cunard Building, at Pier Head, was of such importance and scale that Prime Minister Churchill himself would later declare it shortened the war “by at least a year”.

Several Cunarders, including the largest (Queen Elizabeth) and fastest (Queen Mary) in the world, were requisitioned and converted into troop transports. These ships were instrumental in transporting large numbers of Allied soldiers, with Queen Mary setting an unbeaten record for carrying 16,683 souls in a single voyage. At war’s end, the Queens remained in service, making westbound transatlantic crossings to return home victorious troops (and their new brides) to North America, and eastbound crossings to bring home British prisoners of war held captive by Japan.

Captain Inger Thorhauge, Queen Anne’s Master, will join Liverpool’s Civic Commemoration Service and place a wreath at the Far East Prisoners of War Memorial at Pier Head.

A national two-minute silence will be held at 12:00noon to honour the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day and at 12:02pm Queen Anne will lead all vessels on the river Mersey in sounding their whistles to mark the end of the silence being observed.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said:

“It is an honour for Cunard to be part of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day at our spiritual home in Liverpool. We are immensely proud of our maritime heritage as well as our association with Liverpool and welcome the opportunity to help recognise the extraordinary service and sacrifice of those who gave so much.”

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 will participate in commemorations being held in her home port at Southampton on Friday.

Queen Anne’s visit marks her third call at Liverpool where she was named and dedicated to the city at a ceremony in 2024.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Barbara Murray said: “It is always wonderful to welcome Queen Anne back to Liverpool. Cunard’s ships played a significant role in the Second World War which was acknowledged by Winston Churchill so to have her here for the VJ80 Service of Remembrance is very special.”

Spectator Information:

Queen Anne is scheduled off Formby Point at 0740 on Friday as she starts her final approach to Liverpool. She will then pass Crosby Beach at 0805, New Brighton at 0830 and is due alongside at Liverpool Cruise Port at 0900.

The ship will remain alongside all day until her scheduled on departure at 2000 on Friday, passing New Brighton at 2040, Crosby at 2105 and Formby at 2130. Queen Anne departs Liverpool bound for Southampton.

All timings provisional and depending on prevailing conditions.