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WWII Era
- Section Introduction |
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Many types of fast combat patrol and similar military boats and their
crews distinguished themselves during World War II. Among these small
but powerful wartime watercraft that operated from the early to the
mid-1940’s were the U. S. Navy’s famous patrol torpedo or PT boats,
Army Air Force crash rescue boats or CRB’s, Coast Guard cutters and
many more.
In the sections that follow you’ll find information about the primary
types of each WWII boat in separate categories. For example the Navy
PT boat section focuses on the two designs and builders that produced
the most well-known boats, Elco and Higgins but also includes Huckins
and Vosper.
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Within the Army Air Force crash rescue boat
section, because the basic designs were built by many companies in
several areas of the nation, the boats are usually identified by
length – 63, 85 and 104-footers.
Finally in the Coast Guard section the 83 foot
Wheeler cutters are highlighted because they are one of the most
common WWII types involved with harbor security and their actions
at the Normandy Invasion. This section highlights the 83 footer
CG-83527 which has been acquired by Combatant Craft of America
(this sites sponsor) and a "wartime configuration" restoration has
been started.
Similarly among the various historic restoration, exhibit and
operating combatant craft projects, again only the major efforts are
highlighted. However where available you’ll find website links for
more information about other interesting projects. |
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World War II boats being restored |
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US AAF (Army
Air Force) Crash Rescue Boats
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PT Boats - Elco, Higgins and Vosper
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| PRB - Plane
Rearmament Boat |
A privately
owned
PRB, yes a Plane Rearmament Boat. |
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US Coast Guard 83' Cutters & Liberty Boats
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