Landing Craft Infantry pt 2

grabcad

When the LCI(L) was first introduced some shortcomings became obvious. The expected transport of the troops on deck before arrival to the immediate landing objective was found to be inadequate, and led to the first major redesign, as well as cancellations of vessel construction of the first series. This redesign covered LCI(L) 351 to 1098, built by several shipyards in batches. A further redesign within this series is covered in part 3.While the same hull form was retained throughout, the superstructure and forecastle were expanded, and the internal layout rearranged to provide improved temporary accommodations for the landing troops as well as improved communications spaces and equipment. Many variations were tried in LCI(L) 351-418, particularly a more efficient aft deck layout introduced in LCI(L) 374. A few in this first group were provided with two depth charge racks aft (to provide some form of protection against submarines operating very close to the landing beach) but found to be ineffective. In addition, there were small differences in the construction of the vessels completed by each shipyard, as well as small design changes throughout the construction program.LCI(L) 351 shows the original design, including the two skegs with shaft supports as shown in the view from below. These were installed in the first few in the series and discarded in favor of the more conventional three skegs with separate shaft supports for the rest of the class. 351 was converted into a gunship [LCI(G)] at the end of 1944, and converted again to a mortar carrier [LCI(M)] early in 1945, in time to operate during the Iwo Jima and Okinawa landings.LCI(L) 374 is fairly representative of the majority of vessels in this class. 374 to 391 were transferred to the Royal Navy under Lend-lease after completion, Although records are scant, several vessels in this group are known to have operated in the European theater. Characteristics for this class are nearly identical to the previous one, except that from LCI(L) 354 a fifth 20 mm gun was added on the forecastle, and the mounts were replaced by Mark 10's in all examples built from late 1943. 374 shows the fifth 20 mm gun added forward.For details see my separate entry - 20 mm Oerlikon gun