See how it looked in 1936

Queen Mary Sets Record for Atlantic

With 30-Knot Pace

By AP

NEW YORK, Aug. 24

The Queen Mary claimed the blue ribbon for a record trans-Atlantic crossing today after speeding from Cherbourg breakwater, France to Ambrose lightship in four days, seven hours, 12 minutes.

Despite encountering fog off New England, Cunard White Star line officials said the Queen Mary lowered the Normandie’s record by four hours, 30 minutes.

Her average speed was 30.01 knots, .37 knot greater than the mark set by the French liner on her maiden voyage, June 3, 1935.

The Queen Mary was not flying the blue pennant, symbol of Atlantic speed supremacy.

“We haven’t got a blue pennant aboard,” said Sir Edgar Britten, commander of the liner, “I suppose the Cunard White Star line will have to buy one here.”

The Queen Mary had broken the Normandie’s time for the westward crossing last July 26, but did not claim the blue ribbon then because her course was slightly shorter. This latest trip was an hour and 25 minutes faster than the July 26 voyage.