The Landing Craft, Tank (LCT) (or tank landing craft, TLC) [1] [2] was an amphibious assault craft for landing tanks on beachheads. They were initially developed by the Royal Navy and later by the United States Navy during World War II in a series of versions.

Key to the LCT's operation was the large stern-mounted kedge anchor which was dropped while inbound to the beach. This anchor stopped the LCT from slewing or broaching, and, with its powerful winch, enabled the craft to pull itself off the beach once the cargo was unloaded.

For example, each LCT carried a spare stern anchor and extra anchor cable. We were ordered to give our spare anchor and cable to LSM 260 (Landing Ship Medium). They had lost theirs during a landing.

Anchor and Cables 2,500 KGS AFT Anchor 1-1/4" Diameter x 1,200 Feet Cable. Ramp Opening 7.62 M. Ramp Length 12.00 M. Bulwark Height 3.0 M . Auxillary Engine. Number of Engine: 2 Gensets

On the way to shore, the LCTs dropped an anchor about 150 yards out with the anchor cable unwinding on the way inland. After emptying their cargo on the beach, a motor would think wind up the cable, pulling the craft back out into deeper water (the craft’s draft was around 5′).

LCT (R) Specifications. The LCT (R)s were converted British Mk3 LCTs with a maximum length of 192 feet and 31 feet across the beam. The standard power unit comprised two Paxman Ricardo diesel engines giving a maximum speed of 9 knots, with both screws turning to starboard (right).

Key to the LCTs concept was a large stern mounted kedge anchor which was dropped while inbound to the beach. This anchor helped to keep the craft from slewing or broaching and with its powerful winch, enabled the craft to pull itself off the beach once the cargo was unloaded.

HM Landing Craft Tank 749 - HMLCT (4) 749 was involved in the first assault wave onto Gold Beach on the morning of D-Day. It was part of the 28 th LCT Flotilla, ‘D’ LCT Squadron. Its cargo included specially adapted tanks (known as Hobart's Funnies) for the clearance of beach obstacles in advance of troop landings.

On the morning of D-2 LCT 152 reported anchor cable difficulties and requested a tug. There was no craft available to tow the LCT, and orders were given to cut the cable. Later LCT 149 reported that its anchor was dragging and that it could not be hoisted.

Beach landing capabilities with aft anchor and winch for shore assist beaching. Propellers and rudder aligned with keel in tunnels for limiting grounding damage. All fuel oil tanks independent of hull providing double bottom security. SPECIFICATIONS. Design: Australian Marine Technology P/L. Builder: MOC Shipyards Pvt Ltd.