How the US Delivered Tanks to Normandy: The Role of Ships and LSTs
The Normandy Invasion, more commonly known as D-Day, involved the largest amphibious assault in history. A crucial part of this operation was the delivery of armor, specifically tanks, to the Normandy beaches. Vehicles like the Landing Ship, Tank (LST) played a vital role in this logistical feat. This article explores the methods used to transport tanks and why ships, specifically LSTs, became the primary means of moving armor across the English Channel.
Experimental and Unorthodox Methods
Before the Normandy Invasion, the US experimented with various unconventional methods to transport tanks, none of which proved to be effective. One such experiment involved fitting wings to tanks for an aerial approach, but this was abandoned due to the complexity and unreliability of the endeavor. Another method involved linking tanks to balloons, but the strings would frequently snap, causing disruption and potential accidents. Yet another idea was to train swimmers to hold their breath and tow the tanks underwater, but this resulted in numerous drownings, making it an impractical solution.
The Decision to Use Conventional Means
Ultimately, the US decided to go with the most conventional and proven method: shipping. The logistical challenges and lack of reliable alternatives led to the choice of specialized craft and cargo ships. These Landing Craft, Tank (LST) were specifically designed for transporting tanks and trucks. They allowed tanks to be driven into the ship and driven off at their destination, providing a practical and manageable system for transporting heavy equipment.
Liberty Ships and the 32-Ton Tank
During World War II, the US built hundreds of Liberty ships, which were cargo ships used to transport various goods and materials. However, the dock cranes on these ships were limited to about 40 tons, making the transportation of larger tanks challenging. To overcome this, the US developed a 32-ton tank that could be produced in large quantities and easily loaded into the Liberty ships. This design provided a practical solution for moving hundreds of tanks across the Atlantic to Normandy.
Evolution of Transport Methods
During and after World War II, the US developed more advanced methods of transporting tanks, such as the airmobile assault tank that could be air-dropped via glider. For shorter distances, such as from England to Normandy Beach, gliders were indeed used to transport tanks. However, for trans-Atlantic transport, the use of ships, specifically LSTs, remained the primary and most reliable method.
The trans-Atlantic voyage of these tanks was essential, especially considering the effectiveness of submarine warfare in that theater. Submarines posed a significant threat to the invasion forces, and the submarine warfare during the Normandy Campaign highlights the critical importance of this mode of transportation. The images from this period often depict the massive shipping operations necessary to transport such heavy equipment.