Intro
Explore the 5 largest troop transport ships of World War 2, crucial for military logistics and troop deployment. Discover the massive vessels that played a vital role in wartime operations, including the USS Mount Vernon, RMS Queen Mary, and more. Learn about their capacity, speed, and significance in shaping the wars outcome.
World War II saw the deployment of numerous troop transport ships, which played a crucial role in transporting soldiers, equipment, and supplies across the globe. These ships were instrumental in supporting the war efforts of the Allied and Axis powers, facilitating the movement of troops, and providing logistical support to various military campaigns. Here, we will explore the five biggest troop transport ships of World War II, highlighting their impressive size, capacity, and contributions to the war.
In the early 20th century, troop transport ships evolved to accommodate the changing needs of modern warfare. These vessels were designed to transport large numbers of troops, equipment, and supplies, often over long distances. During World War II, the demand for troop transport ships increased exponentially, with various nations investing heavily in the construction and deployment of these vessels.
The troop transport ships of World War II were not only massive in size but also featured advanced technology, including improved propulsion systems, enhanced cargo capacity, and advanced communication systems. These ships played a vital role in supporting the war efforts, enabling the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies to various theaters of operation.
1. USS General W. A. Mann (T-AP-112)
The USS General W. A. Mann (T-AP-112) was one of the largest troop transport ships of World War II, with a gross tonnage of 11,450 tons. Built by the Todd-Pacific Shipyards in Tacoma, Washington, the ship was launched in 1944 and commissioned in 1945. The USS General W. A. Mann was designed to accommodate over 5,000 troops and featured advanced cargo handling facilities, including cranes, winches, and cargo booms.
The ship played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, supporting the Allied invasion of Okinawa and transporting troops and supplies to various islands in the region. After the war, the USS General W. A. Mann continued to serve in the US Navy, participating in several military operations and exercises.
Key Specifications:
- Gross Tonnage: 11,450 tons
- Length: 523 feet (159.7 meters)
- Beam: 72 feet (22 meters)
- Draft: 26 feet (7.9 meters)
- Speed: 18 knots (33.3 km/h)
- Troop Capacity: over 5,000
2. RMS Queen Mary
The RMS Queen Mary was a British-built troop transport ship that played a significant role in World War II. With a gross tonnage of 81,237 tons, the ship was one of the largest in the world at the time. Built by the John Brown & Company Ltd. in Clydebank, Scotland, the RMS Queen Mary was launched in 1934 and converted into a troop transport ship in 1939.
During the war, the RMS Queen Mary transported over 800,000 troops, including Allied leaders such as Winston Churchill and George S. Patton. The ship's impressive speed, reaching up to 30 knots (55.6 km/h), enabled it to outrun enemy U-boats and provide a secure transport option for troops and supplies.
Key Specifications:
- Gross Tonnage: 81,237 tons
- Length: 1,019 feet (310.5 meters)
- Beam: 118 feet (36 meters)
- Draft: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
- Speed: 30 knots (55.6 km/h)
- Troop Capacity: over 15,000
3. USS General George M. Randall (T-AP-115)
The USS General George M. Randall (T-AP-115) was another large troop transport ship built by the Todd-Pacific Shipyards in Tacoma, Washington. Launched in 1944 and commissioned in 1945, the ship had a gross tonnage of 11,450 tons and was designed to accommodate over 5,000 troops.
The USS General George M. Randall played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, supporting the Allied invasion of Okinawa and transporting troops and supplies to various islands in the region. After the war, the ship continued to serve in the US Navy, participating in several military operations and exercises.
Key Specifications:
- Gross Tonnage: 11,450 tons
- Length: 523 feet (159.7 meters)
- Beam: 72 feet (22 meters)
- Draft: 26 feet (7.9 meters)
- Speed: 18 knots (33.3 km/h)
- Troop Capacity: over 5,000
4. HMT Queen Elizabeth
The HMT Queen Elizabeth was a British-built troop transport ship that played a significant role in World War II. With a gross tonnage of 83,673 tons, the ship was one of the largest in the world at the time. Built by the John Brown & Company Ltd. in Clydebank, Scotland, the HMT Queen Elizabeth was launched in 1940 and converted into a troop transport ship in 1942.
During the war, the HMT Queen Elizabeth transported over 750,000 troops, including Allied leaders such as Winston Churchill and George S. Patton. The ship's impressive speed, reaching up to 28 knots (51.9 km/h), enabled it to outrun enemy U-boats and provide a secure transport option for troops and supplies.
Key Specifications:
- Gross Tonnage: 83,673 tons
- Length: 1,031 feet (314.5 meters)
- Beam: 119 feet (36.3 meters)
- Draft: 35 feet (10.7 meters)
- Speed: 28 knots (51.9 km/h)
- Troop Capacity: over 15,000
5. USS General R. E. Callan (T-AP-139)
The USS General R. E. Callan (T-AP-139) was a large troop transport ship built by the Moore Dry Dock Company in Oakland, California. Launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1946, the ship had a gross tonnage of 11,450 tons and was designed to accommodate over 5,000 troops.
The USS General R. E. Callan played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, supporting the Allied occupation of Japan and transporting troops and supplies to various islands in the region. After the war, the ship continued to serve in the US Navy, participating in several military operations and exercises.
Key Specifications:
- Gross Tonnage: 11,450 tons
- Length: 523 feet (159.7 meters)
- Beam: 72 feet (22 meters)
- Draft: 26 feet (7.9 meters)
- Speed: 18 knots (33.3 km/h)
- Troop Capacity: over 5,000
Gallery of World War II Troop Transport Ships
World War II Troop Transport Ships Image Gallery
What was the largest troop transport ship of World War II?
+The largest troop transport ship of World War II was the RMS Queen Elizabeth, with a gross tonnage of 83,673 tons.
Which country built the most troop transport ships during World War II?
+The United States built the most troop transport ships during World War II, with over 200 vessels constructed or converted for this purpose.
What was the primary role of troop transport ships during World War II?
+The primary role of troop transport ships during World War II was to transport troops, equipment, and supplies to various theaters of operation, supporting the war efforts of the Allied and Axis powers.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the five biggest troop transport ships of World War II. These vessels played a crucial role in supporting the war efforts, enabling the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies across the globe. Their impressive size, capacity, and contributions to the war make them an important part of military history.
If you have any questions or comments about this article, please feel free to share them in the section below. We would be happy to hear from you and provide further information on this topic.