During World War II, the need for specialized military vessels became paramount. Landing craft were essential for amphibious operations, allowing for the swift transport of troops and equipment from ships to shore. These vessels played a crucial role in key battles, including the Normandy invasion, and their production was a significant undertaking involving numerous boatbuilders across the United States. This article examines the construction records of landing craft, focusing on the boatbuilders involved and their contributions to the war effort.
Types of Landing Craft
The landing craft produced during World War II can be categorized into two main groups: large landing craft and small landing craft.
Large Landing Craft
Large landing craft were primarily designed for transporting troops and supplies over the beaches during assaults. Notable types include:
- Landing Ship Medium (LSM) and Landing Ship Medium (Rocket) (LSM(R)): Used for carrying vehicles and heavier equipment.
- Landing Craft Infantry (Large) (LCI(L)): Designed for transporting infantry to the beach.
- Landing Craft Tank (LCT): Specialized for landing tanks directly onto the beach.
- Landing Craft Support (Large) (LCS(L)): Provided naval gunfire support during landings.
The table below highlights some of the prominent boatbuilders involved in the construction of large landing craft:
| Boatbuilder | Location | LSM | LSM(R) | LCI(L) | LCT | LCS(L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albina Engine & Machine Works | Portland, OR | 21 | 31 | |||
| Bethlehem Steel Co. | Hingham, MA | 41 | ||||
| Bison Shipbuilding Co. | Buffalo, NY | 353 | ||||
| Brown Shipbuilding Co. | Houston, TX | 254 | 32 | |||
| Charleston NSY | Charleston, SC | 119 | ||||
| New York Shipbuilding | Camden, NJ | 48 | 100 | |||
| Total | 558 | 921 | 1,435 | 130 |
In total, seven shipyards constructed 558 LSMs, 921 LSM(R)s, 1,435 LCIs, 1,435 LCTs, and 130 LCSs.
Small Landing Craft
Small landing craft were essential for more agile and versatile operations. They included:
- Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM): Transported vehicles and equipment.
- Landing Craft Vehicle (LCV): Smaller craft for transporting personnel and light loads.
- Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP): Used for landing troops.
- Landing Craft Personnel (LCP): Designed specifically for personnel transport.
The table below illustrates the boatbuilders involved in the production of small landing craft:
| Boatbuilder | Location | LCM | LCV | LCVP | LCP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Boiler Works | Erie, PA | X | |||
| Chris-Craft Corp. | Algomac, MI | X | X | X | |
| Consolidated Shipbuilding Corp. | Morris Heights, NY | X | |||
| Higgins Industries, Inc. | New Orleans, LA | X | X | X | X |
| Total | 11,144 | 2,366 | 22,492 | 4,712 |
In total, 30 shipyards produced 11,144 LCMs, 2,366 LCVs, 22,492 LCVPs, and 4,712 LCPs.
The construction of landing craft during World War II was a monumental effort that involved numerous boatbuilders across the United States. These vessels were integral to the success of amphibious operations and played a vital role in the Allied victory. The contributions of various shipyards, from large-scale builders like Bethlehem Steel to specialized manufacturers like Higgins Industries, illustrate the collaborative effort required to meet the demands of wartime logistics and strategy. The legacy of these boatbuilders lives on, reflecting the ingenuity and dedication that characterized the American industrial effort during the war.