Landing Craft Infantry and Fire Support: A Closer Look

Landing Craft Infantry and Fire Support: New Vanguard 157 is a comprehensive guide to the development and use of landing craft infantry and fire support units in the British Royal Navy during World War II.

Landing Craft, Infantry and Fire Support (New Vanguard Book 157)

by Gordon L. Rottman

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10701 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	48 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

The book begins with a brief overview of the history of landing craft, from their early development in the early 20th century to their widespread use in amphibious operations during World War II. It then goes on to discuss the different types of landing craft used by the Royal Navy, including the Landing Craft Infantry (Large) (LCI(L)),the Landing Craft Infantry (Small) (LCI(S)),and the Landing Craft Gun (Large) (LCG(L)).

The book also provides a detailed account of the training and organization of landing craft infantry and fire support units. It discusses the different roles and responsibilities of these units, as well as the equipment and weapons they used. The book also includes a number of first-hand accounts from veterans who served in landing craft infantry and fire support units during World War II.

Landing Craft Infantry and Fire Support: New Vanguard 157 is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of amphibious warfare or the Royal Navy during World War II. It is a well-written and informative book that provides a comprehensive overview of the development and use of landing craft infantry and fire support units in the British Royal Navy.

Landing Craft Infantry

Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) were designed to transport infantry troops and their equipment from ships to shore. They were typically armed with a variety of weapons, including machine guns, mortars, and anti-tank guns. LCI(L)s were the largest type of LCI, and they could carry up to 200 troops. LCI(S)s were smaller, and they could carry up to 50 troops.

LCI units were often used to spearhead amphibious landings. They would land on the beach ahead of the main force and secure a beachhead. They would then provide fire support for the main force as it landed.

Fire Support

Fire support units were designed to provide火力支援 for amphibious landings. They were typically armed with a variety of weapons, including artillery, mortars, and rockets. LCG(L)s were the largest type of fire support unit, and they could carry up to six 4.7-inch guns. They were often used to provide indirect fire support for amphibious landings.

Fire support units were essential to the success of amphibious landings. They provided the firepower needed to suppress enemy defenses and allow the infantry to advance.

Training and Organization

Landing craft infantry and fire support units were trained at a variety of bases in the United Kingdom. They were typically organized into companies, battalions, and regiments. Each unit had its own complement of officers, NCOs, and enlisted men.

The training of landing craft infantry and fire support units was rigorous. It included training in amphibious warfare tactics, weapons handling, and shipboard operations.

Equipment and Weapons

Landing craft infantry and fire support units were equipped with a variety of weapons and equipment. This included rifles, machine guns, mortars, anti-tank guns, and artillery. They also had a variety of vehicles, including jeeps, trucks, and armored personnel carriers.

The weapons and equipment of landing craft infantry and fire support units were essential to their success in amphibious operations. They provided the firepower and mobility needed to overcome enemy defenses and secure a beachhead.

First-Hand Accounts

Landing Craft Infantry and Fire Support: New Vanguard 157 includes a number of first-hand accounts from veterans who served in landing craft infantry and fire support units during World War II. These accounts provide a unique insight into the experiences of these men and the challenges they faced.

One veteran, who served in a LCI(L) unit, described the experience of landing on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day:

"The beach was a scene of chaos. The water was choppy, and the waves were crashing against the shore. The landing craft were bouncing around, and it was difficult to keep our balance. We were all wearing heavy packs, and the water was making them even heavier. We had to wade through the water, and it was up to our necks. We were all exhausted, but we knew that we had to keep going."

Another veteran, who served in a LCG(L) unit, described the experience of providing fire support for the landings at Anzio:

"We were positioned off the coast of Anzio, and we were firing our guns at the German positions on the shore. The Germans were putting up a fierce resistance, and we were taking a lot of fire. We had to keep our guns firing, even though we were under heavy fire ourselves. We knew that we had to provide fire support for the troops on the ground, and we were determined to do our job."

Landing Craft Infantry and Fire Support: New Vanguard 157 is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of amphibious warfare or the Royal Navy during World War II. It is a well-written and informative book that provides a comprehensive overview of the development and use of landing craft infantry and fire support units in the British Royal Navy.

Landing Craft, Infantry and Fire Support (New Vanguard Book 157)

by Gordon L. Rottman

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10701 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	48 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE