The Landing Craft, Assault (Hedgerow) was a conversion based on the LCA, which instead of carrying troops was fitted with twenty-four spigot mortars. This weapon was adapted from the Hedgehog forward-firing anti-submarine mortar. The mortars would be fired in four salvos in quick succession, as the craft drew close to the beach and moments before the first infantry touched down. The mortar bombs were intended to blast a path for the assault troops through barbed wire and minefields.
Where they were able to get into position to fire, the Landing Craft, Assault (Hedgerow)s did earn praise from naval commanders. However many were lost in the rough seas while under tow during the Channel crossing. Some after-action reports suggested that instead a longer-range mortar should be fitted to LCTs instead, not least because the weapon would then clear mines directly in the path of the tanks coming ashore from that craft.