The LCVP

The First Waves: What Makes Up Boat Teams?

The first wave of troops to hit the invasion beaches on the morning of June 6, 1944, were prepared to fight through the heavily defended German positions. Assault teams were needed to knock out German fortifications. Each assault team was self-sufficient and carried in a single LCVP, with each team member in a designated location. The men rushed onto the beach in the order they were needed. If a team was knocked out of action, the remaining teams could continue the assault.

Heavy weapons such as the 81mm mortar were brought ashore by the support teams. Consisting of thirty men, both assault and support teams carried a mixture of weaponry. Riflemen carried the standard M1 Garand rifle. Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) men provided fire support. Special demolition men brought ashore TNT and other explosive charges to destroy German positions and obstacles to open an exit route inland from the beachhead.

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