Comments: Hardcover, 128 pages; 350 black-and-white photos, line drawings, schematics, and elevations; 8 color plates.
ISBN: 978-1-5267-0691-1
Publisher: Seaforth Publishing/Pen & Sword Books Ltd.
From the publisher: The LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle, Personnel), or “Higgins boat,” was one of the keystones of victory in World War II. Like the jeep and the C-47, it served in almost every theatre, performing unglamorous but vital service in the Allied cause. Higgins Industries designed a brilliantly simple craft, derived from a humble workboat, that performed its role so well that more than 23,000 of them were constructed. A high proportion of all the troops landed on enemy beaches came ashore from LCVPs, an achievement that led Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower to describe it as “the boat that won the war.” As Eisenhower had more experience of major amphibious operations than any other commander, it is a judgment to be taken seriously.
This book combines the first in-depth history of the development and employment of the type, with a detailed description of its construction, machinery, performance and handling based on the author’s firsthand experience masterminding the restoration of a wartime example for his museum. Well-illustrated with plans and photographs, it will be of interest to modelmakers and enthusiasts both naval and land-based.
FSM says: It is hard to imagine there is anything you want to see on this subject that is not included, with technical drawings and detail photos that show the craft from the bones out. If you wanted to scratchbuild one for yourself, you’d stand a pretty good chance if you had this book.