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“RHINO FERRY” FOR INVASION FORCES
The most difficult phase of the initial operation against the European Continent—that of bridging the last few hundred yards between vessels and the beach—is being accomplished to a large degree through the use of the U.S. Navy’s modern pontoon gear. Made up of hollow boxes of welded metal, in two sizes, a huge, self-propelled barge, called the “rhino ferry” can be put together aboard ship. When the objective is reached, sections of the raft can be lowered over the side, fastened into the whole with bolt, nuts, links, and angles. The, the “ferry” is ready to float vehicles and supplies ashore. The new style pontoons—or tanks—are built in two sizes, five by seven by five feet deep, and the other, seven by seven by five with one edge curved to serve as the prow of a barge. These rafts as a whole—or in sections—can be filled with water and used as piers or docks. Designed by Capt. John N. Laycock, Civil Engineer Corps, USN, Washing, D.C., these pontoons have been used previously in invasions of Attu, Africa, Sicily, and Italy. I this series of photos, the “rhino ferry” is shown being assembled and put to use.
NEW YORK BUREAU
Here, the “rhino ferry” gets under way after being assembled. Two powerful Chrysler marine outboard motors at either side of the stern, developing 143 horsepower each, can push the barge along at a little more than four knots. Having a draft less than LSTs, the “ferry” are ideal for the long, shallow beaches of Europe.
Credit: U.S. Navy photo from Acme