In 1946 the daunting task of restoring Queen Elizabeth from rey troop carrier into the stateliest of liners was shared between the Clyde and Southampton. Cunard allowed John Brown & Co, the Elizabeth's builders, just 10 weeks to transform the vessel's structure as she lay at anchor at the Tail o'the Bank. The most striking aspect of this work, as the liners drab wartime coat was chipped away, was how in stages from bow to stern, she gradually emerged in gleaming Cunard colours. This phase completed, the vessel returned to Southampton to be refitted with her original furnishings and for dry docking.