During World War II, small landing craft transported men and supplies to their destinations. On June 5, 1944 LCI(L)489 left its mooring station along side LCI(L)94 and LCI(L)490 which were docked at Weymouth, England. At 1714, they passed through the harbor pursuant to orders of Commander Assault Force "O" Western Naval Task Force to participate in Neptune Operation Overlord commanded by Rear Admiral Hall, U.S.N. At 0310 June 6, 1944 after steaming at various courses and speeds to maintain formation, arrived at Point Zebra rendezvous area and commenced circling with LCI(L)490 as guide. On June 6, 1944, LCI (L) 489 landed on Omaha Beach, Easy Red carrying 189 men and 15 of U.S. Army 1st Division Headquarters Group and 18th R.C.T. Sortie.
Excerpts from the Ship's Log
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LCIs could land directly up on the beach and soldiers would exit from one of the two ramps lowered from each side of the bow. Some troops carried on D-day were unloaded directly onto the beach. Depending on the circumstances, others were unloaded onto smaller boats and taken to the beach. Severe injuries and casualties were transferred to other ships. LCI(L) stands for Landing Craft Infanty, large. The "large" LCIs were only about 158 feet long and 23 feet wide at the middle. They traveled at a maximum speed of about 15 knots. Even though these craft were only meant to cross small bodies of water such as the English Channel, many including LCI(L)489 traveled from the United States to England. "Amazing little ships", my father said, "Not too roomy but very efficient and they got the job done!" The fall of France showed us that the war against Germany would have to be an amphibious war. Any counter attack would have to include landing on the beaches of France where a bitter counter attack was launched.
LCI (L) 489 was built in Barber New Jersey. It was launched October 22, 1943 and put into commission on October 30, 1943. She reported for duty on November 17, 1943 and sailed from the United States on Christmas Eve 1943 toward England.
LCI (L) 489, based in Dartmouth, Devon, England was attached to the Twelfth Fleet, Eleventh Amphibious Force, Flotilla Ten, Group Twenty Eight, Division Fifty Five.
From February through March, LCI 489 participated in beaching exercises, firing exercises and general drills. The 489 engaged in Secret Fox Operation as a unit in the Transport Group of Task Force 125, Eleventh Amphibious Force, Twelfth Fleet. The transport group included LCI(L)'s 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 494, 495, 497, 83, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 93, 84, and 95 under Commander M.H. Imlay, USCG in LCI(L)87. Sortie, convoy, rendezvous and beaching were accomplished in accordance with basic plan. Landings were made on beach Able Red, Slapton Sands, England.
Excerpts from the War Diary signed by Captain H.H. Montgomery
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