Higgins boats, also called LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel), were flat bottomed craft with a very shallow draft specially designed for amphibious landings. They featured a bow ramp that fall open when the craft would run aground on the beach allowing the troops inside to exit onto the beach and begin operations. They were used in most all amphibious landings in both the European and Pacific Theaters. Unfortunately at Tarawa the Higgins boats could not traverse the reef the surrounded Betio even with their shallow draft on D-Day. That was due to the "Neap Tide" that November morning, which meant the reef would barely be covered with water in that critical stage of the invasion.
Higgins boats head for the beach. Ahead through the smoke lies Betio. Before that
lies the edge of the reef.
In the upper left corner notice the plane which has probably just dumped its load of bombs.
These Higgin's Boats are probably near the edge of the reef. The boat to the right appears to still
have troops aboard. In the background LVTs can be seen heading for Red Beach 1. Red
Beach 3 is getting blasted in the center of the picture. The northern point of Green Beach is to the
right.
Click here for a larger version.
Supplies are being taken to Betio in an LCVP. They will be unloaded at the long pier.
Notice the bow of a Higgins boat sticking out of the water.
It was most likely hit from a 127mm AA gun
or one of the anti-boat guns located in the pocket.
Click here for a larger version.
For more information and specifications on Higgins Boats click here to go to the Higgins Boat Project.
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copyright 2000 T.O.T.W.
Created September 24, 2000
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