Weeks of preparations had led to Jean’s departure from Melbourne on 21 April 2021. Her previous travels were most likely limited to visiting family in Albury / and southern New South Wales by train. Organising an international trip must have bought some trepidation as well as excitement: Passport and photos, bookings, vaccinations, packing, banking arrangements, travel information, references and recommendations, saying goodbyes.
Jean had to carry three certificates of vaccination – an interesting thought in 2021 for those who have travelled freely to the UK in the past without having to carry any evidence of immunity – of course our travels beyond the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020/21 will require us to do just that!
So it was the autumn morning of Saturday 21st April in 1951 in Melbourne that saw Jean board P&O’s SS Himalaya. She was farewelled at the ship by her family and friends. Boarding took place between 9am and 11am, with the Himalaya’s scheduled departure time 12 midday.
Jean’s account of the day comes from her diary, rough notes on Himalaya letterhead, and letters sent home.
“Saturday 21 April – left Melbourne for U.K. aboard SS Himalaya. Mum and Dad had left a fortnight earlier, and I was staying with my sister Mary. Alex called in the station wagon with Mrs Hood, Marj and the boys. I said Goodbye to Mr and Mrs Bates, and Mary and Urwin came in the wagon. We were late arriving at the ship, and I was disappointed to find I’d missed seeing Barbara and her mother. Ethel and Chris, Isla and Ruth with Cedric were there and Auntie Bessie. I arranged my meal sitting, had lunch, and spent the afternoon unpacking. A dance that night was “flat”. Soon however we were into the way of things.”
