05/06/2026
- Tomorrow is the Anniversary of D-Day. The logistics behind the landings in Normandy were huge, and often forgotten. To support the invasion was a 'Supply and Repair Flotilla'. It included a fleet of 10 'LBK' ships. The 'Landing Barge Kitchen' was designed to feed the crews operating the Landing Craft, who had no Galley or cooking facilities. They were in fact 'Thames Lighters', Barges used for unloading cargo on the dock side. They were 79 feet long by 21 feet wide. They had been pressed into service, given engines, some armour plating, and fitted out for catering purposes. They were made of steel, had a shallow draft and were capable of feeding 900 men for one week. Military manuals state they could provide 1,600 hot meals and 800 cold meals each day. One description said it was like a house boat, converted into a factory! Inside were oil-fired ranges, meat lockers, and 4 ovens to the aft of the vessel. Storage, and a 10-ton fresh water tank, allowed it to work efficiently as the Invasion pushed inland. Food was prepared and placed into containers called 'Hayboxes' for distribution. They could also serve from a hatch, when boats moored alongside. An Officer's cabin sat above the engine near the ship's fuel tanks. The other 24 members of crew had accommodation below decks. This consisted of 14 Cooks and 10 Seamen. Extra Seamen could be brought in when required. Meals included Roast Beef with boiled vegetables and Yorkshire Pudding, Cottage Pie, baked potatoes, soups, fresh bread, stewed apples with custard, and other dishes that could be made in bulk at sea. Tea and coffee was also made on an industrial scale. The LBK was powered by 2 Chrysler, 65 BHP 'Royal' 6 cylinder marine petrol engines. These allowed the vessel to move at around 6-7 knots. Military manuals also state, the LBK could travel for at least 300 miles at 5 Knots, with 600 gallons of petrol. Only 1 LBK was lost by the end of the war. Today only His Majesty's Landing Barge Kitchen 6, or HM LBK VI survives. It now serves as the Clubhouse of the Harwich and Dovercourt Sailing Club in Essex.
