2nd RM Armoured Support Group

It's a long shot - but I wonder if anyone can help with some research into the 2 RMASG and in particular Q troop. I lead a scuba diving project last year to survey the wrecks of some WW2 tanks and Armoured Bulldozers in Bracklesham Bay last year. They turned out to be Centaur CS IV tanks assigned to RMASG for the initial D Day landings as part of J force. They are in remarkable condition considering they have been resting on the sea bed for 65 years. (more details on our club web site www.southseasubaqua.org.uk ). Subsequent research has confirmed them to be from a capsized LCT(A) 2428 and this year's diving project is to find the wreck of LCT(A) 2428. I just wondered if anyone can provide any further information which may help. Thank you

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 17/01/2009 22:17:38

Here is a link to a report on Alison's dive:

http://www.bsac.org/news.216.htm

http://www.southseasubaqua.org.uk/

Nick

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 17/01/2009 16:22:21

A quick check shows the following information regarding the LCT you mention ( which you may already know):

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 -The Commanding Officer of HMS Jaunty at the time was William Sutton Lowrey who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during Operation Neptune.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

This message was edited 5 times. Last update was at 17/01/2009 12:06:37

Here is a pic of LCT (A) 2432 and 2433 - similar MK V LCT -
another of 3 more MK V LCTs

and a link regarding the MK V with more information

http://ww2lct.org/mk5/mk5main.htm

Just to illustrate what Alison found:

Centaur CS IV at Pegasus Bridge

an armoured Caterpillar D7 bulldozer (one of 'Hobart's Funnies') similar to those discovered by Alison and her dive team