Feels like I finally made some progress in my LCF-31 research as well as just getting more detailed information about LCFs from WWII and especially the LCFs used at Normandy on D-Day. There is not a lot of information about these ships on-line and not a lot of photos either. However, the following is what I've been able learn:
At Utah Beach four LCFs were used: LCF-18 (MkIII), LCF-22, 27, and 31 (All MkIVs.) The following attachment is from the Combined Ops web page showing the Admiralty's "Green List":
Attachment:
LCF-31 #31 - Copy.jpg [ 202.2 KiB | Viewed 4039 times ]
At Omaha Beach seven LCFs (all MkIIIs) were used:
Attachment:
LCF-31 #35 - Copy.jpg [ 167.8 KiB | Viewed 4037 times ]
The following LCF info was found from the
ONI 226-Allied Landing Craft and Ship Publication:
Attachment:
LCF-3 Description.jpg [ 132.45 KiB | Viewed 4039 times ]
I found the following line drawing of an LCF(MkIV) on-line:
Attachment:
LCF-31 #8 800 Pixels.jpg [ 223.52 KiB | Viewed 4039 times ]
The following photos are of LCF MkIIIs. As you can see, there are a lot of differences between MkIIIs and MkIVs:
Attachment:
LCF-31 #15 800 Pixels.jpg [ 82.62 KiB | Viewed 4039 times ]
The following photo is of LCF-18 (MkIII) that participated in the Utah Beach Landings:
Attachment:
LCF-31 #30.jpg [ 5.94 KiB | Viewed 4039 times ]
As for modeling LCF-31 (or any LCF MkIV) I've decided to build it using the Lindberg 1/125 scale LCT. I have two kits that I'll use to make one LCF. In 1/125 scale the hull length is approximately 18" so I'll have to cut 6" from one kit and add to the second kit. Another option is to scratch build using Evergreen sheet. The plans do not look too complicated and there is not too many bends that I would have to make. I'm just going to have to do a lot of testing fitting the Lindberg kits and decide whether to use them or jut go the scratch build option. I found plenty of aftermarket parts I can use including all the armament and other details from Shapeways/Model Monkey.
Another big issue is determining the paint scheme for LCF-31 used at Normandy. I have not been able to find any information whatsoever. I know the U.S. Navy received their LCFs back from the Royal Navy prior to D-Day so they may have been in RN Camo? ANY help with possible paint scheme would be GREATLY appreciated. The following photos show LCF-31s sister ships LCF-30 & 32:
Attachment:
LCF-31 #38.jpg [ 148.57 KiB | Viewed 4039 times ]
Attachment:
LCF-31 #34 800 Pixels.jpg [ 77.78 KiB | Viewed 4039 times ]
Final note:
Concerning LCF-31, I found a bit of interesting information in a U.S. Navy "After Action" report. The report stated that the cause of sinking was "undetermined" but "most likely" LCF-31 hit a mine. However, in a Coast Guard report, eyewitnesses reported seeing German shells hitting LCF-31. I found a newspaper article (Traverse City Record-Eagle) where a survivor of LCF-31 was interviewed for a Veteran's Day piece. The survivor's name was Larry Lampton. Mr. Lampton stated just before being hit he heard yells of "Shell bursts off starboard bow!" and next "Shell bursts off port bow!" Next thing he was knocked semi-unconscious. He was barely able to crawl off the ship before it sank. The next thing he remembered was being picked up by a Coast Guard ship. Great story about a great man! I read another article stating that since no German aircraft were spotted in the area at the time, the LCF crews trained their guns on German positions on the beach.
I suppose it doesn't matter what caused the LCF-31 to sink, only that the ship and brave crew were doing their jobs!
Hope this post helps anyone interested in LCFs. I'll continue to update with any info.
Bobby