Preserved Memory Project:

QUEEN MARY, Troopship
by Sgt. Ken Sullivan, Indiana

Sgt. Ken Sullivan sailed on the QUEEN MARY when he shipped out to World War II in 1944, at the age of 22. His daughter Barb, asked him to write his recollections of the crossing. "He is now 84 years old, and in very poor health with emphysema, but he typed out his memories". "His recollections of this grand old ship are not pleasant ones. But they are part of the history of QM, and of WWII" - 2006.

Sgt. Ken Sullivan's daughter Barbara Sullivan Benecki, finds her father pictured on the display onboard QUEEN MARY in Long Beach, CA, during a visit in 2003 (looking down upon daughter)

Here are his recollections:
It was cold and dreary as weÊall prepared to board the Queen Mary on theÊ25th of December, 1944. ÊWe had all spent fifteen weeks in training, such as it was. ÊNow we were shipping out to Europe and World War II. ÊI had to leave behind my dear wife and my child of about 2 yrs old. They did not know where I was going or when I would be back. OK we all crowded on board some way. ÊIt was so crowded that we had to eat in different shifts. Also we slept two guys to a bunk. It was really rough when we had to shave. ÊThere was a rail next to us where all the puke and urine went. ÊIt was so hard toÊkeep food on your stomach whileÊthis was going on. YouÊmet strangers who one day would help you live or die. ÊThis was when I started to smoke two packs of smokes per day. And to this day it hurts me very much as I can hardly breathe. The trip across was scary as we sawÊmany ships not flying our flag. ÊWe saw several subs too. I learned to play cards and shoot dice. ÊThis was one trip I hope I never have to make again.
--Sgt. Ken Sullivan, Indiana

Sgt. Ken Sullivan's pictured on the display onboard QUEEN MARY in Long Beach, CA. (center left)

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