Post-war LCH and LCI(L) postings

[David Lea]

I'm researching the war time history of my Uncle who served with the Royal Navy between 03/08/1943 and 05/12/1946.
 
After spending nearly 2 years posted to a Mk 3 LCT (7086),
 
On 07/02/1946 to 31/03/1946, he was posted to LCH 275
 
and
 
From 17/05/1946 to 30/06/1946, he was posted to LCI(L) 282

I would like to try and understand what activity my Uncle would have been involved in during this immediate post-war period on board the LCH and LCI(L)?
 
Also, any information regarding the LCHs and LCI(L)s would be gratefully received, especially if it relates to the specific landing crafts in question.
 
Many thanks in anticipation
 
David

[Spikey68]

After spending nearly 2 years posted to a Mk 3 LCT (7086),
 
On 07/02/1946 to 31/03/1946, he was posted to LCH 275
 
and
 
From 17/05/1946 to 30/06/1946, he was posted to LCI(L) 282

LCH stands for Landing Craft Headquarters. They were essentially Landing Craft Infantry (Large) that had been converted (by packing them with various types of radios and other gear) to act as communications ships. 275 was one such ship.

LCI (L) 282 was returned to the Americans in September 1946, so he may have been involved in the decommissioning of the ship.

However, between the end of the war and the dates you have, ships and landing craft were very busy transporting goods and men back and forth between Britain and Europe. Men (both POWs and men to be demobbed were returned to Britain, and by 1946/47 German POWs were being returned to Germany).

I hope that's a start for your research.

[David Lea]

Many thanks Spikey68, that's really helpful, I'm very grateful!

Do you mind me asking where you got this specific information from? I'm just wondering if there's any mileage for me going back to your source to see if there's any more detail to be obtained?

Once again, thanks for your help.

David

[Spikey68]

Many thanks Spikey68, that's really helpful, I'm very grateful!

Do you mind me asking where you got this specific information from? I'm just wondering if there's any mileage for me going back to your source to see if there's any more detail to be obtained?

Once again, thanks for your help.

David

Hi David

The info on what a LCH was was picked up over the years so afraid can't point you to anywhere specific. However, the info on LCI 282 was via google. Afraid you won't find much else out there on the interweb. Some Landing craft do get mentioned in memoirs or histories, but most slip into obscurity except in service records.

Those with more knowledge on naval records at the National Archives may be able to point you towards specific files (if they still exist).

[David Lea]

Thanks Spikey68, much appreciated.

I have never been to TNA but I really must plan a trip. I was also told one of their collections was the 'Green List' which lists the weekly locations of all RN small craft, so I would think that would be useful as perhaps a starting point there.

All very interesting!

Kind Regards

David

[hulme-griff]

Hi David, just in case you're still looking into HM LCI(H)275, I have a photo of the ship and a couple of the crew, a few names etc Get in touch if you want what little info I have.

[David Lea]

Hi hulme-griff,

Yes, I'm still researching LCH 275 and LCI(L) 282 but haven't made any significant progress to date, so I'm very excited to receive your message!

My Uncle was on one of the LCTs during the war but post war, served on the LCH and LCI(L).

I'd be really interested to see the photo and information that you have and am grateful for your time and trouble in contacting me.

My email address is david@familea.freeserve.co.uk which is probably the best way to send the info through if that's ok with you?

Once again, thank you for your message.

David

[hulme-griff]

Hi David, It was actually my dad that served on 275, he was sent to the USA with a few others to bring it back for conversion, served on it till it was delivered (safely) back to the USA so he'd have known your uncle. Unfortunately, he didn't talk about it except for telling me it was anchored off Gold beach, about a mile out, and they came ashore every night because it was too dangerous to stay aboard. He also  heard the bombing of Caen from Gold.  I've found the odd bit here and there including his application to join The Landing Craft Association with a list of places they were sent to. Anyway I'll E-Mail you, might not be today though, I have to dig it out and see what I have.
regards, Griff

[Rudolf H B]

Hi, here are the dates for HM LCI(H)-275:
"Returned to US Naval custody, 27 March 1946
Struck, 5 June 1946 from the Naval Register"

http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/15/150275.htm
(photo of the tower shows not LCI(H)-275, see Reply #9)

Technical data, information & photos:
LCI    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_Craft_Infantry *)
LCT   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_craft_tank

Regards
Rudolf

*) The quality of the article is good, but LCI(H) is missing - up to now.