Task Unit 84.1.2 Action Report
Prepared by: Commander Task Unit 84.1.2
Commander LST Group Two
29 August 1944


Report of Amphibious Operations conducted by Task Unit 84.1.2 against the enemy in Southern France during the period 9-15 August, 1944.

1.    General:

(a) This Unit consisted of LSTs 265(F), 173, 174, 210, 76, 286 carrying troops of 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division (U.S.) plus LST 32 (G.C.I.), PC 1174 (DUKW wave leader), SC 695, LCC 10, attached to Red Beach Assault Group, Alpha Attack Force, Western Naval Task Force.

(b) Loading of vehicles in LSTs was completed on 28 July.  LST 32 did not carry personnel or equipment other than that required for Fighter Direction duty.  Small craft were in upkeep status until Sortie.

(c) The mission of this unit was to transport the Battalion Landing Team and associated vehicles and drivers to the assault area; to land the BLT on the left flank of Alpha Red Beach (259) at H-Hour and H+15 of D-Day; to land 22 DUKWs from LSTs 76 and 286 (11 each) at H+105; to place the vehicles ashore when directed; to furnish Fighter Direction coverage as required by doctrine and the situation; to perform escort duties enroute, control duties in landing, and screening duties after landing.

(d) The operation was carried out on time according to doctrine laid down in current U.S. Fleet directives and Commander Eighth Amphibious Force Standard Operating Procedures and Commander 8th Amphibious Force (Commander Alpha Attack Force) Operation Plan 2-44.   (NOTE:  Com8thPhib was Commander Task Force 84.)

(e) The only enemy forces encountered by ships of this Unit were the few troops who defended the beach perfunctorily with rifle and mortar fire.

2.    Chronological table of the approach and assault:

9-12 August Ships anchored off Torre Annunziata..
12 August - 1730B Departure as part of convoy SM1B as prescribed by Operation Plan.
13-14 August At sea.  No events of interest.

15 August - 0430

 Entered Queen Transport Area.  Lowered LCVP from LSTs.
0615 LCVP of 1st wave departed from Queen reference vessel.
0630 LCVP of 2nd wave departed from Queen reference vessel.
0700-0745 LSTs moved in to Charlie transport area on orders of Commander Alpha Attack Force.
0930 1st and 2nd wave LSTs ordered into Able reference vessel by Commander Alpha Attack Force to unload.  LST 265 (Unit flagship) received 46 aray casualties by LCVP from beach.
1040 LSTs ordered to return to seaward by Commander Alpha Attack Force.
1123 LST 265 (Unit flagship) returned to Able reference vessel on orders of Commander Alpha Attack Force and anchored off right flank of Red Beach.
1140 First LST of Red Beach Assault Group commenced unloading by LCT(5), (LST 603).
1730 First LST completed unloading (LST 603).
2017 Unit flagship completed unloading and departed to report to Return Convoy Controller.
16 August-0730 Located Return Convoy Controller after searching area of his supposed location all night.
0822-1638 Ordered to find hospital ship and unload casualties, Unit flagship returned to Alpha Red Beach area and did same; was then ordered to give water and previsions to mothership.  Departed for return convoy area.
2112 Joined convoy C.R.M. 3 of which Commander LST Group 29 was O.T.C..

NOTE:  Above applies to LSTs; LST 32 (G.C.I.) carried out schedule for Fighter Direction duties; small craft acted on screening units.

3.    Since no guns were fired there is no report to make on ordnance or ammunition performance.

4.    No damage was sustained by ships of this Unit.

5.    Comments on recommendations will be presented in same order as annexes in the Standard Operating Procedure.

C. LOADING:
   1. Vehicles and drivers were aboard LSTs for about 17 days; assault troops were aboard six days.  With additional personnel this meant in the vicinity of 300-350 extra personnel on board almost a week.  This affected ship's problem of water conservation, food and sanitation as well as the physical condition of troops.

    By using more loading places, the vehicles could be loaded less in advance.  By using LCVP, troops could be loaded less in advance (being brought near anchorage area in own transportation).


Landing Zone Chart Showing German Defences

[WebMaster Note: The following sections appearing on the original report have been omitted out of respect for those individuals and groups involved:  B. Logistics, F. Minesweeping, G. Approach, J. Landing, L. Return Convoy and Follow up, Q. Medical, T. Communications, X. Miscellaneous Notes on Security.]        

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