LCT(R): R for rocket, was a variant of the Landing Craft Tank used by Allied forces for close inshore support of amphibious landings. Winston Churchill encouraged the creation of these craft to provide high saturation bombardment of targets prior to landing to neutralize defenses such as mines. The successful trials in England proved the usefulness of this platform and had a powerful impact as 17 tons of ordnance fell down on the defenders in just a few minutes. The U.S. Navy also had some of these craft and the lessons learned on DDay created the LSM (R) ships later used in the Pacific Campaign.

There are great articles on the British and U.S use of these fascinating ships.

Royal Navy perspective:
http://combinedops.com/UK%20LANDING%2...

U.S Navy perspective:
https://www.combinedops.com/US%20LAND...

(Thank you to Combined Ops for these excellent detailed articles)

Finally, thank you for your continued support, subscriptions, ideas, and comments. Much appreciated.

...and on the 75th anniversary of DDay, please take some time to commemorate the brave soldiers, sailors and airmen who sacrificed it all. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten...