IMHO UnderseaLcpl was pretty close if this article is accurate:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_(nautical)
Note the caption from the photo of the Royal Navy destroyer compass platform:
Quote:
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The Royal Navy favoured the open bridge for the unique tactical view it gave the Captain, long after other navies had moved indoors.
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Edit: For some reason my rig won't allow me to get the link above right. After clicking on it click on the option 'Did you mean Bridge (nautical)'