When the Cunard - White Star Liner , " Queen Mary " docked at Southampton from New York today , it brought to the end the career of Chief Purser Mr Charles Johnson , who joined the Cunard Line in 1905 . The " Queen Mary " is the 37th ship of the line in which he has served. He was Chief Purser of the " Queen Mary " on her maiden voyage in 1936 and of the " Queen Elizabeth " on her secret maiden voyage from the Clyde to New York in 1940 . He was Purser or Assistant Purser on the maiden voyages of five other Cunard Liners. Picture shows: Chief Purser , Charles G Johnson O B E , pictured on the " Queen Mary " at Southampton today - his last day in office after 43 years at sea. 27 April 1948