Do you have D-Day landing craft questions? For longer explanations, make sure to read my book! But here is more information about some of the most commonly-asked questions about landing craft on D-Day and during the 1944 Normandy campaign. Think there should be another question answered here? Use the contact page to let me know.
What is a landing craft and why were they used on D-Day?
Find out why were these craft so essential to the operation.
More questions below the photograph…
Above: One of the most famous photographs of D-Day: ‘Into the Jaws of Death’ by Chief Photographer’s Mate Robert F. Sargent USCGR. Men of 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, wade ashore, as seen from the coxswain’s position on an LCVP of USS Samuel Chase at about 0800. (US Naval History & Heritage Command, NH 26-G-2343)
What types of craft were used on D-Day?
How to tell an LCVP from an LST!
Who crewed the landing craft on D-Day?
More about the nationalities and service branches of the crews of these Allied vessels.
How many soldiers or vehicles could fit in a landing craft?
Well for starters, it depended what type of craft it was.
How many landing craft were lost or sunk on D-Day, and at which beach were losses heaviest?
The answer to this question may surprise you…
How many landing craft crewmen were killed on each beach, and after D-Day?
This is a question that is rarely considered in histories of this vital operation.
What did landing craft do after they had landed troops?
Find out if the crew’s job was done for the day, or if they had more work to do.
How many soldiers or vehicles could fit in a landing craft?
Different types of craft had a different capacity.
What did landing craft do after landing troops on D-Day)?
The role of the landing craft was far from complete after each had put its first load ashore.
How many landing craft were used on D-Day?
This is a more complicated question that it might at first seem.
Were landing craft armed?
Some had weapons so they could carry out their primary role – fire support for example – while others were armed only for self defence.
Where did landing craft leave from for D-Day?
They departed from along most of the south coast of England, and beyond.
Where were D-Day landing craft built?
Most craft used on D-Day were built in either the UK or the USA.