Five generations going to sea

Harry Knapper, grandson of Audlem residents Harry and Ann Knapper, who is a Cadet Engineer Officer with Cunard, joined his first ship RMS Queen Elizabeth yesterday at Southampton.

He is 17 years of age and will be a fifth generation Knapper going to sea, Masters and Chief Engineers. Both Grandfather Harry and his Great Uncle George, Harry's brother, were with Cunard, his Great Uncle sailing on the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary as an Engineer Officer.

The young Harry was invited for interview with Cunard 12 months ago, and out of over 800 applicants 11 were accepted for deck and engineering and Harry was the youngest applicant with the highest marks. He had attained 10 GCE's, most at A grade, and was studying for A levels when he decided to apply to Cunard.

Having been granted an interview, he passed with flying colours, and then had to decide whether to continue with A levels or grab the opportunity. After family discussions it was agreed that he pursue his career with Cunard.

He has been attending the Officer training course at Warsash Academy, part of Southampton University, where he is studying for his HNC in Marine Engineering followed by a degree foundation course and then on to an honours degree. He will spend 4 months on QE, before returning to his studies at Warsash.

Harry's father, Charles, was brought up in Audlem and was an engineer on nuclear submarines before becoming a solicitor.

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