Landing Craft (Gun) Tower

A Landing Craft (Gun) Tower, often abbreviated as LCG(T), was a specialized type of landing craft used during World War II. These vessels were converted or purpose-built landing craft fitted with heavy artillery, providing fire support for amphibious landings. Unlike landing craft designed to deliver troops and vehicles ashore, the primary mission of an LCG(T) was to suppress enemy defenses and bombard coastal targets, clearing the way for the initial assault waves.

LCG(T)s were typically armed with a variety of guns, ranging from relatively small caliber weapons to substantial naval guns taken from decommissioned warships or intended for use on larger vessels. The specific armament varied depending on the nation using them and the intended purpose of the craft. The guns were usually mounted in turrets or heavily shielded mounts to protect the gun crews from enemy fire.

These craft were particularly important in landings where strong enemy fortifications or heavy coastal defenses were expected. Their ability to deliver concentrated fire on specific targets significantly reduced the risk to the first wave of assault troops. However, their large size and relatively slow speed made them vulnerable to enemy fire, particularly from shore-based artillery batteries.

Following World War II, many LCG(T)s were decommissioned or converted to other uses. The development of more sophisticated amphibious warfare techniques and the increased use of air support gradually diminished the need for these specialized bombardment vessels.