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The "Alligator",
as this, the first "Landing Vehicle Tracked"
was known, entered service in 1941, had no armour and
only light armament. It had not been intended that this
vehicle would be used in combat but had been regarded
as an amphibious supply vehicl only. Combat experience
led to armour being added to the drivers compartment
and additional machine guns.
Used first at Guadalcanal, they also took part in the
landings in French Morroco and in the Aluetian Islands.
Of the 1,225 built, 540 went to the Marines and 485
to the Army. A further 200 were supplied to the British
who deployed them as cargo carriers in the Rhine crossing
operation.
Our
model represents the LVT1 as it made its debut and contains
just a one piece hull plus 2 machine guns and their
mounts.
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