200 ATL' s (328') carrying 18,000 vehicles 570 YTL' s (105'-200') " 2,250 tanks 300 Giant Y's (153') " 60,000 men 300 TL' s (50') " 300 vehicles 500 Y' s (36') " 18,000 men 80 YR' s (36') " 80 vehicles It will be seen that chief reliance is placed in the larger, more seaworthy types of vessels. The British Navy recommend against a shore to shore crossing in small boats and against a ship to shore operation from combat loaded transports. The U.S.Army accepts the method and plan proposed by the British. It expects to have in the U.K. by April 1943 a total force of 832,000 men to sustain the movement. To provide the landing craft listed, the construction of the following additional vessels in the U.S. to be available at seaboard by March 1, 1943 is required: 299 YTL's 172 ATL, s (328') 300 Giant Y's (153') This construction is considered to be physically possible only upon condition that this program be given priorities over all other items of the Defense Program as necessary to meet the date of March 1, 1943 The construction of the ATL's and Giant Y boats would require a modification of existing combat and cargo shipbuilding programs which may affect joint operations. It is therefore recommended that this entire matter be referred to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for immediate consideration in collaboration with other affected agencies as necessary and report. Brehon Somervell, Lt. General, U.S.Army. F.J. Horne Vice Admiral, U.S.Navy. May 14, 1942. |