Normandie.........

I must say that Normandie, comes across as the most uncomplicated clean line vessel. In addition, I noticed that the forward mast, is situated behind the bridge. I have never seen this configuration before, is this unique to Normandie?

Oh... and, lovely picture Mr Sloan!!

That is the famous Tidal Tower, 265 ft tall (75 metres), built as part of the brand new Gare Maritime in Le Havre, for NORMANDIE's debut in 1935. The entire station incorporated 4 tracks and 2 platforms for arriving and departing Boat Trains, as well as Embarkation Hall. The numbers on the tower indicated the depth, in metres, of the water at the pier, and could be seen from well outside the harbor.
NORMANDIE's forward mast, placed above the bridge was ground-breaking. Cunard would not follow suit until their CARONIA of 1948, and of course many other, more modern ships moved their masts from the forward deck to above the bridge, as well.
Rich

Thanks very much for the info Rich, I must admit to thinking at first "Tidal Tower?, then thinking, "oh now I see it. I take it that it's now just a memory?
It's just as you said about Caronia, then it struck me, yes I have it on a very old B/W photo of Caronia 22" x 19". Very distinct just behind the wheelhouse.
I would like to put this photo up in my gallery if I knew how to scan such large photo.
I'll put the question in the Computers and The Internet section, maybe someone can help with that one.

Hello Liner Rich

Vladmire Yorkavitch an ex-pat Russian Admiralty ship designer is responsible for the hull, whaleback and other streamlining features of the hull. The mast was placed abaft the bridge because it freed-up sight lines over the bow.

CGT's earlier Lafayette (1930) and Champlain of 1932 (a very modern-looking liner w/details similar to the newer Normandie) also had their masts placed above the bridge.