question Where LVT`s used during D Day?

[jerry.ice]

Whilst reading up on the LVT series of vehicles, it got me thinking where any in use for Overlord. I have never seen any pictures of any in use for Overlord, however it seems strange that a vehicle designed for amphibious operations would not be used + using the close support version would have been easier than making DD Shermans.

On a visit to Normandy some years ago I seem to remember seeing an LVT outside one of the museums though can`t remember where.

I know they where used in various operations in Europe after D.Day by the British and where in use with the US Marines in the Paciffic before D.Day.

Did the Marines have priority over deliveries of these or were there other reasons for them not being used?

[Tony B]

They were used later in the crossing of the Scheldt eastuary. The reason for all of Hobart's Funnies, was for specific purpose. The DD was because a gun tank was considered esential in the first wave. LVT (Didn't the British call them Buffalo?) didn't mount the firepower. Also the early version didn't have a ramp, so jumping over the side made you a sitting target. If you also consider that Normandy was landing onto a flat beach, unlike the Pacific Atolls, and LCI could get more men in faster and out of the boat via the front ramp quicker. LCI were also easier to build en mass, and probably a lot cheapear.

Edited August 16, 2010 by Tony B

[ford 369]

as far as I know buffaloes werent used in Normandy although there is one at the Utah beach museum