American Merchant Marine Ships at Normandy in June 1944

Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) included "Operation Neptune" the water transportation of men and equipment to Normandy. The initial assault ships could carry 160,000 troops and 16,000 vehicles. The assault armada numbered 6,939 ships, boats and amphibious craft -- the largest number of vessels ever assembled. The following list includes U.S. merchant ships, Army Transport Service ships, and Navy troopships.

U.S. Merchant Marine Cargo Ships (Freighters)

Blockships -- Ships deliberately sunk to form artificial harbor

U.S. Troopships which carried troops to Normandy from the United Kingdom during June 1944

V-4 Tugs assigned to Normandy service photo of V-4 Tug

U.S. Army Transport Tugs assigned to Normandy

We appreciate additions and corrections to this list.

U.S. Merchant Marine Cargo Ships (Freighters)

The U.S. freighters listed below each carried 480 men and about 120 army vehicles to Normandy from the United Kingdom during June 1944 or were loading or awaiting orders during June 1944.

Of 326 cargo ships, 200 were American ships.

Blockships -- Ships deliberately sunk to form artificial harbor

SS Vitruvius at D-Day 1944 and Why They Owe Me a Trip on the Queen Mary by Richard R. Powers

U.S. Troopships which carried troops to Normandy from the United Kingdom during June 1944

ATS -- Army Transport Service
WSA -- War Shipping Administration

V-4 Tugs
These 10 ocean going V-4 Tugs were operated by Moran Towing. They towed the components of the artificial harbors from the Atlantic coast to Great Britain, towed portion of the harbors such as the Mulberries from their construction sites to staging areas, and towed the artificial harbors to Normandy. Later, they towed damaged ships to Great Britain for salvage or repair.

Black Rock
Bodie Island
Farallon
Gay Head
Great Isaac
Hillsboro Inlet
Moose Peak
Sabine Pass
Sankaty Head
Trinidad Head

Phoenixes, Mulberries, Whales, Lobnitzes, and Corncobs at Normandy

U.S. Army Transport Tugs assigned to Normandy
U.S. Army Transport Service "civilian" crews operated small tugs which towed barges to Normandy, and held blockships in position while they were scuttled.

ST 247
ST 248
ST 338
ST 344
ST 758
ST 759
ST 760
ST 761
ST 762
ST 766
ST 767
ST 769
ST 770
ST 771
ST 773
ST 781
ST 794
ST 795

Lists of Ships

Merchant Marine in WW II

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09/11/03

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