Secrets of the Lost Liners

The programme explores the design, service and eventual loss of some of the world’s most celebrated ocean liners. It details how the Normandie, while being converted into a wartime troopship, was set alight, leading to its destruction.

Normandie is a television programme that examines the design, operational history and eventual demise of several of the world’s most celebrated ocean liners. It presents a look at how these grand vessels were conceived, the roles they played at sea and the circumstances that led to their loss. The series treats each ship as a case study, offering insight into the engineering feats and the service records that made them iconic. One of the focal points of the show is the ill‑fated French liner Normandie. While the ship was being refitted for wartime duties as a troop carrier, a fire broke out and the vessel was set alight. The programme details how this blaze occurred during the conversion process, highlighting the dramatic shift from luxury passenger service to a military role and the tragic outcome that followed. Beyond the Normandie episode, the series continues to explore the broader narrative of ocean‑liner history, tracing how each vessel’s design and service contributed to its reputation before culminating in loss. By linking the technical aspects of shipbuilding with the human stories of their voyages, the programme provides a concise yet thorough overview of the rise and fall of these maritime giants.