List of Allied vessels involved in Operation Neptune facts for kids
Operation Neptune was a huge naval operation that was part of World War II. It was when the Allied forces launched a massive invasion of the northern coast of France, which was controlled by Nazi Germany at the time. This operation involved a huge number of ships from many different countries, all working together to help land soldiers on the beaches of Normandy.
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Ships Involved in Operation Neptune
Many countries contributed ships to Operation Neptune. This table shows how many combat ships (like battleships and destroyers), auxiliary ships (support ships like transports and minesweepers), and amphibious ships (designed to land troops and vehicles on beaches) each nation provided.
| Nation | Combat Ships | Auxiliary Ships | Amphibious Ships | Total Ships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Australia |
1 | 1 | ||
 Canada |
7 | 1 | 8 | |
 Free France |
4 | 4 | ||
 Netherlands |
2 | 2 | ||
 Norway |
2 | 1 | 3 | |
 Poland |
4 | 4 | ||
 United Kingdom |
95 | 10 | 1 | 106 |
 United States |
27 | 32 | 21 | 80 |
| Totals | 143 | 43 | 22 | 208 |
Types of Ships Used
The ships involved in Operation Neptune had different jobs. Here are some of the main types:
- Battleships and Cruisers: These were large, heavily armed ships that fired big guns at enemy defenses on shore. They helped clear the way for the landing troops.
- Destroyers and Frigates: These faster, smaller warships protected the larger ships and transport vessels from enemy submarines and aircraft. They also provided gunfire support.
- Minesweepers: These ships were crucial for clearing dangerous underwater mines that the enemy had placed to stop the invasion fleet.
- Landing Ships, Tank (LSTs): These special ships were designed to carry tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto the beaches. They had a large ramp at the front that could be lowered.
- Transport Ships: These ships carried thousands of soldiers, equipment, and supplies across the English Channel to the invasion beaches.
- Block Ships: Some older ships were intentionally sunk to create artificial harbors, called "Mulberry Harbors," which protected the landing ships from waves and allowed for more supplies to be brought ashore.
Ships Lost During the Operation
Even with careful planning, some ships were lost during Operation Neptune due to enemy attacks or mines. For example:
- The American destroyer USS Corry (DD-463) was sunk by a mine and shore batteries.
- The British destroyer HMS Fury (H76) hit a mine and was too damaged to be repaired.
- The British destroyer HMS Isis (D87) also struck a mine.
- The American destroyer USS Meredith (DD-726) was damaged by a mine and couldn't be repaired.
- The Norwegian destroyer HNoMS Svenner (G03) was sunk by a German torpedo boat (E-boat).
- The American minesweeper USS Partridge (ATO-138) was torpedoed by an E-boat.
- The American minesweeper USS Tide (AM-125) hit a mine.
- The British destroyer HMS Wrestler (1918) hit a mine and was too damaged to be repaired.
These losses show how dangerous the operation was for the brave sailors involved.
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