Port funeral for former QE2 master

A funeral will be held in Fleetwood on Tuesday for the former master of one of the best-known cruise liners in the world.
Captain Bob Arnott, pictured at his home in Fleetwood, was the longest-serving master of liner QE2.Captain Bob Arnott, pictured at his home in Fleetwood, was the longest-serving master of liner QE2.
Captain Bob Arnott, pictured at his home in Fleetwood, was the longest-serving master of liner QE2.

Captain Bob Arnott, who died on August 27 at the age of 92, was master of Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) from 1976 to 1985 when he retired.

Because of the prestige of the vessel, which for many years was the fastest merchant ship in the world with a top speed of 32.5 knots, Captain Arnott became something of a celebrity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Captain, who lived on Rossall Grange Lane, Fleetwood, came into contact with many famous people and royalty and in 1977 was the subject of top TV show This Is Your Life.

Captain Arnott said after the liner’s withdrawal from service back in 2008: “It is the end of an era.

“I think she’s the finest liner ever built.

“I was the longest-serving captain.”

He was born in New South Wales, Australia, but his parents brought him to England as a child and he first went to sea at the age of 16 with the Blue Funnel Line.

Having survived submarine and air attack during
the war, he joined Cunard in 1947.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His funeral takes place at St Nicholas Church, Fleetwood, on Tuesday at 12.30pm prior to a ceremony at Carelton Crematorium at 1.30pm.

He was pre-deceased by wife Joan and leaves children Roger, Jan, Gill and Katy, and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Related topics: