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#1
31-01-09, 19:33
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Re: 14 members of No. 18 Field Company, Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers
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Unfortunately No. 18 Field Company, Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers no longer exists, but their War Diary may hold information regarding the 14 members you say were onboard LCT(A) 2428. Have you tried The National Archives, Kew? They hold a copy of the War Diary for No. 18 Field Company, R.C.E. The reference for their War Diaries for the period of January to December 1944 is WO 179/3128. Here in Canada, Library and Archives Canada have the War Diary for No. 18 Field Company, R.C.E. on microfile and for the period in question, the reference is: Reference: RG24 , National Defence , Series C-3 , Volume 14745 , Reel T-18395-18396 Serial : 717 , Access code: 90 File Title: No. 18 Field Company, Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers Outside Dates: 1942/07-1944/09 Finding Aid number: 24-60 Some additional information on LCT(A) 2428: Landing Craft Tank - LCT-428 / LCT-2428 / LCT(A)-2428 LCT-428 was started life as a ship of the United States Navy and was Lend-Lease to the United Kingdom: - Landing Craft Tank (Mark 5) - Laid down, date unknown, at New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J. - Launched, date unknown - Delivered and transferred to the United Kingdom, under the Lend-Lease program for Mediterranean Theater service, redesignated LCT-2428 - Armor plating added in early 1944, redesignated LCT(A)-2428 - During the invasion of Normandy LCT(A)-2428 was assigned as 'Leader' of the 105th LCT(A) Flotilla of Assault Group J1 Support Squadron, assigned to Juno Beach in support of the 7th Infantry of the 3rd Canadian Division at Courseulles - Struck from the Naval Register, 13 November 1944 - Final Disposition, recored as breaking down on passage the evening of 5 June 1944, at some point thereafter she was taken in tow by the tug Jaunty but she capsized and was it appears fired upon by the Royal Navy until she sank Specifications: Displacement 286 short tons Length 114' 2" (ovl.) Beam 32' 8" Draft 3' Speed 10 kts. Range 700 nautical miles at 7 kts. Complement 13 Cargo Capacity 150 short tons Armament 1 single 20mm AA gun mount, 2 .50 cal. machine guns Armor 2 1/2" wheelhouse, 2" gun shield Propulsion 3 Grey Marine Diesels, 3 propellers, Shaft horsepower 675 per shaft Hope this helps. Cheers
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Mark Last edited by Mark W. Tonner; 31-01-09 at 21:32. Reason: Additional information added 
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#2
02-02-09, 10:30
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Thank you Mark,
The references to the War Diaries are very useful. A friend of mine has kindly offered to have a look at them for me in the coming weeks. I have consulted with the Landing Craft Association both here in the UK (Tony Chapman) and the US quite a bit over the last few months and they have been very helpful too. The details about LCT 2428 was added as a result of my investigations into the loss of the Tanks and Bulldozers here in the English Channel. Until that point she had been reported - lost in Normandy 6 June 44 - position unknown. I hope we can find 2428 and perhaps some reports from the Canadian troops on board. Kind Regards Alison
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#3
03-02-09, 00:08
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New Perspective
Hi Ali and welcome to the Forum. With you, we now have access to land, sea and air (Keefy) perspectives of our hobby. We need you to go to Thistlegorm for close up images of all the underwater Bren Gun Carriers.
 Bob
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Chevrolet Blitz Half-Track Replica - Finished and Running Ford F15 - unrestored Ford F15A X 2 - unrestored Website owner - salesmanbob.com
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#4
03-02-09, 10:33
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I dived the Thislegorm at least 6 times last year - afternoon, night and early morning dives. It is an awesome wreck though has too many divers for my liking. I'm sure we have some images of the bren gun carriers somewhere. The stern of the ship with it's large guns and propeller/rudder are the best bit for me. Regards Alison
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Hybrid Mode
