Tarawa Talk

Another view of 39 and 27

The "structure" in the background Jon is the remains of the smaller Burns Phillip pier that was east of the longer main pier. It was hit by a large bomb that formed a huge hole at the waterline into which LVT-1 #27 and LVT-1 #39 plunged. So #33 was on the beach west of the hole and formed the left flank of Red Three for a couple of days. Your posted pic also shows the Sherman tank COLORADO facing inland and confronting the Japanese. if you have access to the aerial #75 and zoom in you will see what I mean. I cannot post it because it is a TIFF file and I can't seem to change it.

Screen shots of 11 and 14 from Scott's  videos on Youtube.

Adding these.  Also found a picture of LVT 38.  http://tarawaontheweb.org/lvt38.htm

Jon

Something that somewhat interested me is that so many photos show LVT-1s with the homemade grappling devices still resting above the engine compartment. They were supposed to have been dropped behind the tractors and towed into the wire entanglements in order to rip them up. I guess in the heat of battle that theory was forgotten.

Out of all your research how many LVT’s have you seen with Radio antennas ? The only one I have seen is on number 44

This looks like the same '6' in regard to how it was painted as the one posted in the salvage area and in same location. I don't think there could be a number in front but not sure. Anyone have an opinion here? TOTW says launched from the Zeilen and this is Kelly's mass so it makes sense.

Thanks, Gunny. I noticed that notes on 31, 32 and 40 stated that they all came from the Virgo. It seems likely they would have been in sequence i.e. the Virgo carrying 33 thru 39 as well. Is there any evidence for that?  I'm interested as the Virgo sent 10 LVT-1s to the Zeilin and especially #s 35 and 36 given they have no pictures or references.