The
enemy's view from the shoreline must have been ominous. After the ferocious pre-invasion
bombardment concluded, the clearing dust and smoke revealed scores of small craft
headed toward the beach, with many more behind them, circling and awaiting orders
to proceed to the line of departure. In each small craft were up to 120 American
assault troops, or a single Sherman tank.
There
were hundreds of such craft scheduled for the assault. They were Landing Craft,
Mechanized (LCM). They brought American and Allied troops to beaches from Casablanca
to Leyte, from Normandy to Kiska, from Salerno to Sagami Wan. Their armor could
stop a .30 caliber bullet and their capacious fuel tanks not only made them extremely
buoyant if damaged; they could cruise almost 800 miles unloaded. The "M,"
meaning mechanized, meant that the landing craft could carry vehicles up to and
including a 30-ton tank.
The LCM Mark 3 on exhibit
at Battleship Cove was built by Higgins Industries in Louisiana. Prepared for
landing on a hostile beach, the LCM had a crew of four, two .50 caliber machine
guns, and armor around the wheelhouse. An eminently adaptable watercraft, the
LCM was also used for ferrying troops and equipment, for resupply and medical
evacuation, and for various liaison duties. At least one LCM was in use as late
as 1987 with the Boston Harbor Islands Park System.
SEA SHELLS: Have you ever wondered how a battleship
tossed a one-ton shell nearly 20 miles? Visit the projectile platform on Big
Mamie to find out.
ARMED TO THE TEETH: Pound for pound, PT boats
were the most heavily armed vessels in World War II. Follow this
link to learn more.
SNAKE
IN THE GRASS: A Cobra helicopter has arrived to Battleship Cove! Poised
on the grass beside the museum's WWII landing craft, the Cobra is one of the museum's
exhibits dedicated to military aviation. Click here
for more.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Are you planning a birthday
for a special child? Host the event at Battleship Cove, where children's birthday
parties are a piece of cake! Click here for details.
To
host a party on board the Fall River Carousel, click here.
