HMLBK6

There were ships of all shapes and sizes present during D-Day in June 1944, from battleships to modest support and supply vessels. LBK6 is the only surviving example of the latter. She was designated a "floating kitchen".

A Thames barge, she was built as a steel swim barge in 1944. Her dimensions are: length 79ft; beam 21ft; draught 3.5ft; capacity 150 tons, approx.; hold dimensions 50ft approx. by 16ft. These types of vessel were converted in a number of ways prior to D- Day. Some were converted to become oil carriers, water barges, engineering barges etc. as well as food carrying vessels.

Within LBK6's hold were installed four ovens aft of a kitchen space and the forward space was for bulk goods. In addition, a 10 ton fresh water tank was fitted in the hold and fresh and seawater tanks were fitted on the accommodation roof. Also on the accommodation roof were fitted diesel tanks. LBK6 had storage capacity to feed 900 men for one week. The forepeak contained a toilet and an area for coal storage. Aft on the deck there was a steering shelter. Both the steering shelter and fuel tanks had rudimentary armour protection. The mid section of the deckhouse, over the galley below, was a servery area with accommodation for one officer aft, over the engines, and an accommodation area for the 24 man crew forward, situated over the storage space.

Two 130bhp Chrysler petrol engines powered the craft. She could achieve the top speed of 6 knots.

LBK6 was stationed off Sword Beach as part of the 35th Supply and Repair Flotilla of "U" Landing Barge Squadron. She was among similar converted Thames barges. The 35th Supply and Repair Flotilla became part of Force "S". Here LBK6 was with the fuel carrier trawler "Damito" and minesweeping trawlers "Empyrean" and "Vindelica". Numerous other small vessels formed part of Force "S" engaged in support of the invasion.

Later LBK6 sailed westwards and stood off Gold Beach. On July 24th 1944 Admiral Bertram Ramsay, the Naval Commander-in-Chief of the Allied naval Expeditionary Force, went aboard LBK6 and was photographed with her crew. The occasion of his visit has yet to be determined.

LBK6 is currently moored in Harwich's Gas House Creek and serves as HQ of the Harwich and Dovercourt Sailing Club.



Martin Wakley (copyright)

The barge is also the regular meeting place of the Harwich Mayflower Project meetings.

See project diary page

See link below for much more about this brilliant vessel.