Empire Javelin, D-Day Assault Ship: The Royal Navy vessel that landed the US 116th Infantry on Omaha Beach

The book "Empire Javelin: The Royal Navy's Omaha Beach Assault Ship" by Philip Kay-Bujak highlights the role of the Empire Javelin, an American-built LSI (Landing Ship, Infantry) in Royal Navy service, in the D-Day invasion. The ship played a crucial part in carrying A Company 116th RCT across the Channel and landing them on Omaha beach as part of the initial assault. The book provides detailed accounts of the ship's actions and the landing craft launched from her, including the loss of one-third of her landing craft in the first wave. It also explores the ship's earlier life, from design and construction to launch and training, and her service after D-Day, ferrying troops across the Channel for several months. The book is supported by archive photos, forming a fitting testament to the contribution of ships like the Empire Javelin in Operation Overlord and the liberation of Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Empire Javelin, an American-built Landing Ship, Infantry (LSI) in Royal Navy service, played a significant role on D-Day. She transported A Company 116th RCT, known as the renowned 'Bedford Boys,' across the Channel and her landing craft dropped them ashore on Dog Green sector as part of the initial assault or 'suicide wave.' In recounting her story, Philip Kay-Bujak rightly honors the contribution of the Royal Navy at Omaha Beach, which has been underappreciated in the past. Drawing heavily on first-hand accounts, the author delves into the actions of the ship and the landing craft launched from her in great detail. One-third of her landing craft were lost in the first wave alone. He also reveals the Empire Javelin's earlier life, from design and construction to launch and training. Similarly, he relates her service after that fateful day in June 1944, when she continued to ferry troops across the Channel for several months. The events surrounding her sinking in December 1944, either by U-boat or a mine, while laden with troops, are also fully examined. The author's skillful narrative is supported by archive photos, forming a fitting testament to the contribution of the Empire Javelin and ships like her, which, though less glamorous than battleships and destroyers, played a vital role in Operation Overlord and the liberation of Europe.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399035811