EMPIRE JAVELIN D-DAY ASSAULT SHIP The Royal Navy vessel that landed the US 116th Infantry on Omaha Beach

Empire Javelin,an American-built LSI (Landing Ship, Infantry) in Royal Navy service,played a significant role on D-Day. She carried A Company, 116th RCT (the ‘Bedford Boys’), across the Channel, with her landing craft putting them ashore on the Dog Green sector during the initial assault, or ‘suicide wave’, on Omaha Beach.
In recounting her story, Philip Kay-Bujak restores due recognition to the Royal Navy’s contribution at Omaha, long under appreciated (Stephen Spielberg, while directing Saving Private Ryan, notoriously suggested there had been no British involvement). Drawing extensively on firsthand accounts, the author details both the ship’s service and the operations of her landing craft with precision and clarity.
He also traces Empire Javelin’s earlier history, from design and construction through launch and training, and follows her continued service after June 1944, when she ferried troops across the Channel for several months. Her final loss in December 1944,whether by U-boat or mine, while carrying troops,is carefully examined.
Supported by archival photographs, this skilful narrative forms a fitting tribute to Empire Javelin and similar vessels which, though less celebrated than battleships and destroyers, were essential to Operation Overlord and the liberation of Europe.