The LSMs as applied by the Australian Army and year builds etc are covered in detail in other pages specific to vessels. Imbeded links provide direct access to source where possible and the Editor is much indebted to the US hosts, archivists et al who have assembled such an amazing record of not only this specific subset of mitary marine interest but the entire past and current US Navy fleet. A vist to the NavSource site will be a rewarding experience, but do have a couple of hours available, this is a monster site of great depth. Of specific interest here to an Australian audience is the sheer size of the original fleet manufactured by the American Navy. Not mentioned in this almost brochure covering is the commissioning specification and the design capability required, nor mention of the designers.

“ A total of five hundred fifty-eight Landing Ship Medium (LSM) and Landing Ship Medium (Rocket) (LSM(R)s were built during World War II. Most served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, and some in the Korean and Vietnam wars.” [ NavSource Naval History ]

[ EDITOR ] - The Vietnam reference is interesting in the use of the plural. 32 Small Ship Squadron of the Australian Army held a vessel on station in ' Nam ' during the Australian involvement in support of both Australian and US forces. Further research is open as to any other use in the theater prior to Australian involvement or US for that matter!

“ Original plans for the LSM called for six twenty millimeter anti-aircraft guns as their main defense. Two (all mounted in gun tubs) were near the bow (one port; one starboard); two others were amidships; and the final two were mounted near the stern, and the earliest LSMs were actually built to these plans. Early in the ships' history, a decision was made to remove the two twenties near the bow and replace them with a single 40 mm. gun Many early ships were ordered to be refitted thus, although some never made the change and retained only their six 20s throughout the War. Ships built after the change was announced were fitted with single-barrel 40s before commissioning, while most of those built late in the War were given twin 40 mm. guns on their bows. Ironically, most of those with the best armament never got to use it before the War ended, while many of those on the fighting front had to make the best of what little they had.”[ NavSource Naval History ]

[ EDITOR ] When the 32 Small Ship Squadron ' fleet ' was purchased in 1960, vessels were unarmed. The referenced gun tubs had been reduced to two, the forcastle and an aft port quarter. When and why is a question for further investigation / reporting. Carley Floats depicted in the painting were also replaced, the postion aft of the conning tower wbeing used for a ships boat. Others by casting type inflatable liferafts.

A view of the US pages will also enlighten as to the LSM R ( Rocket ) variant. How does a well deck “ equipped with eight to ten twin 5 inch automatic, continuously fed rocket launchers. Each launcher capable of firing thirty spin stabilized rockets per minute. ”