British LCA Infantry Landing Craft

 THE LCA ( Landing Craft Assault was used extensively in WW II.  Its primary purpose was to ferry troops from transport ships to attack enemy-held shores. The craft derived from a prototype designed by Thornycrofts of Hampshire. During the war it was manufactured throughout the United Kingdom in places as various as small boatyards and furniture manufacturers.

Typically constructed of hardwood planking and selectively clad with armour plate, this shallow-draft boat with a crew of four could ferry an infantry platoon of 31, with space to spare for five additional specialist troops to shore at 7 knots. Men generally entered the boat by walking over a gangplank from the boat deck of a troop transport as the LCA hung from its davits. When loaded, the LCA was lowered into the water. Soldiers exited by the boat's bow ramp.