During World War II, the need for versatile and efficient naval support vessels was paramount. Among the many classes of ships that were developed, the Landing Craft, Support (Large) — or LCS(L) — played a significant role in amphibious operations. A total of 130 LCS(L)s were constructed by three prominent shipyards, with the design focusing on providing critical support for landing troops and supplies on hostile shores. This article explores the construction records, operational history, and significance of these vessels in the broader context of maritime warfare.
Overview of the LCS(L)
The Landing Craft, Support (Large) was designed with a length of 158 feet and a light displacement of 250 tons. Its primary purpose was to provide fire support to amphibious assaults, ensuring that troops could land safely while receiving cover from enemy fire. The LCS(L) was armed with various weapons and equipped to carry out various tasks, from troop transport to reconnaissance missions.
The detailed history of this class, including individual ships, can be found in Robin L. Rielly’s book, “Mighty Midgets at War,” published by Hellgate Press, which is available on Amazon.
Construction and Delivery Records
The following shipyard data outlines the construction and subsequent fates of the LCS(L)s built during WWII:
1. Lawley & Sons, George (Neponset, MA)
| Ship # | FY | Delivery Date | Disposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 44 | 20-Jun-44 | Scrapped 1950 |
| 2 | 44 | 19-Jul-44 | To France 1950 as Arbalete (L 9021), to Vietnam 1954 as No Than (HQ 225), to Taiwan 1957 for scrapping |
| 3 | 44 | 31-Jul-44 | Scrapped 1950 |
| 4 | 44 | 11-Aug-44 | To France 1950 as Arquebuse (L 9022), to Vietnam 1955 as Linh Kiem (HQ 226), later renamed Le Trong Deim, sunk 1970 |
| 5 | 44 | 21-Aug-44 | Scrapped 1947 |
| 6 | 44 | 27-Aug-44 | Scrapped 1951 |
| 7 | 44 | 29-Aug-44 | Sunk at Mariveles 1945 |
| 8 | 44 | 31-Aug-44 | Scrapped 1946 |
| 9 | 44 | 6-Sep-44 | To France 1950 as Hallebarde (L 9023), returned 1955, to Japan 1956 as Asagao, to Vietnam 1965 as Doan Ngoc Tang (HQ 228), to the Philippines 1975 as La Union (LF 50), scrapped in the 1980s |
| 10 | 44 | 10-Sep-44 | To France 1950 as Javeline (L 9024), returned 1955, to Japan 1956 as Hinageshi, to Vietnam 1965 as Le Van Binh (HQ 227), sunk 1966 |
| 11 | 44 | 13-Sep-44 | Scrapped 1950 |
| 12 | 44 | 17-Sep-44 | To Japan 1953 as Sekichiku, returned 1958, sunk as target 1959 |
| 13 | 44 | 21-Sep-44 | To Japan 1953 as Oniyuri, returned 1958, sunk as target 1959 |
| 14 | 44 | 23-Sep-44 | To Japan 1953 as Sumire, returned 1975 |
| 15 | 44 | 26-Sep-44 | Sunk at Okinawa 1945 |
| 16 | 44 | 28-Sep-44 | Scrapped 1950 |
| 17 | 44 | 30-Sep-44 | Scrapped 1950 |
| 18 | 44 | 30-Sep-44 | To Japan 1953 as Yamayuri, returned 1958, sunk as target 1958 |
| 19 | 44 | 7-Oct-44 | Scrapped 1950 |
| 20 | 44 | 10-Oct-44 | To Japan 1953 as Himeyuri, returned 1958, sunk as target 1958 |
| 21 | 44 | 14-Oct-44 | Scrapped 1951 |
| 22 | 44 | 16-Oct-44 | To Japan 1953 as Nogiku, returned 1971 |
Summary of Shipbuilder Contributions
The Lawley & Sons shipyard in Neponset, Massachusetts, was responsible for constructing the majority of the LCS(L)s. Their contributions included innovative designs and efficient manufacturing processes that enabled the rapid production of these vital vessels during wartime.
Other Shipyards
While Lawley & Sons constructed the majority of the LCS(L)s, other shipyards also participated in their production. These included facilities that specialized in naval construction and contributed to the overall war effort by delivering vessels that supported amphibious operations across the Pacific and European theaters.
Operational Impact
The LCS(L) class played a critical role in numerous amphibious assaults throughout World War II. Their design allowed them to operate close to shore, providing essential fire support for landing troops. The versatility of these vessels enabled them to adapt to various operational needs, making them invaluable assets during the conflict.
Notable Engagements
The LCS(L)s participated in key battles, including the Philippines campaign and the invasion of Okinawa. Their presence allowed for better coordination of naval gunfire support, contributing to the success of these missions and ensuring that troops could land with reduced risk.
Post-War Disposition
After the war, many LCS(L)s were decommissioned and sold to foreign navies or scrapped. Some vessels, like the Arbalete and Arquebuse, found new lives in other countries, while others met their end in scrapyards or as targets for military exercises. The fate of these vessels highlights the broader patterns of naval vessel recycling and the transition from wartime to peacetime operations.
The construction records of the Landing Craft, Support (Large) during World War II reveal the importance of these vessels in naval operations. With their design emphasizing versatility and support capabilities, the LCS(L)s made significant contributions to the success of amphibious assaults. The meticulous documentation of their construction and subsequent fates offers valuable insights into the maritime history of the period and the evolution of naval warfare strategies.
For those interested in learning more about this fascinating class of vessels, Robin L. Rielly’s “Mighty Midgets at War” serves as an excellent resource for understanding the intricate details and operational histories of the LCS(L) ships. The legacy of these landing craft continues to be felt in modern naval strategies and amphibious operation planning today.