034B - Ship Shape: Landing Craft

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LENGTH: 56 feet

BEAM/WIDTH: 9 feet, 6 inches

CAPACITY: One Platoon and Crew

25 infantry and supplies

SPEED: 6-10 MPH (depending on load)

CREW: 3 or 4

ARMAMENT: Varies

Commonly: 1 .303 Light Machine Gun

Rarely: 1-2 light forward-fire mortars.

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Landing craft were, ironically, one of the most complicated vessels that also seemed the most simplistic. It was a narrow flat-bottomed boat with a rear-mounted engine that propelled the craft and controlled much of the steering. Additionally, the weaponry was light, if it existed at all. The main holding area was open to both elements and enemy gunfire. It was a crude machine that got its job done. To many soldiers, it seemed that’s all it was.

However, the mere design of a Landing craft was a battle unto itself. The single motor meant the boat was hard to steer, especially in the rough open seas. To make matters worse, a ramp had to serve double-duty. It had to remain watertight during attack, yet release to allow troops a quick exit upon making the beach.  Lastly, the armor protection for the boats was exceedingly light, to make the boats faster and have great carrying capacity. This meant that the boats were vulnerable to open-water minefields.

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Still, these small but complicated boats were among the most important ships in any invasion force.

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