PT BOATS WW2 | Great Footage of PT Boats in Two Theaters

"Welcome to our channel! Today, we're diving into the fascinating history of PT Boats!

PT boats, known as Patrol Torpedo boats, are a fascinating subject with a rich history, particularly during World War 2.

PT Boats: The Fast and Furious Predators of the Seas

Patrol Torpedo (PT) boats were small, fast vessels used by the United States Navy primarily during World War II. These offensively-oriented, highly maneuverable boats played a pivotal role in naval operations, especially in the Pacific Theater. But also on D-Day in the English Channel.

Origin of PT Boats

PT boats trace their origins to the British motor torpedo boats (MTBs) used in World War I, but it was during World War II that they truly came into their own. The concept was to have a small, agile vessel capable of delivering a powerful torpedo attack against larger ships.

Key Builders

The most renowned builders of PT boats were two American companies, Elco (Electric Launch Company) and Higgins Industries. Elco, based in Bayonne, New Jersey, produced the 77-foot and 80-foot designs, while Higgins Industries of New Orleans produced the 78-foot design.

Construction and Features

PT boats were primarily constructed from wood, making them lightweight but also vulnerable. Typically, they were built using mahogany plywood. Their dimensions varied slightly by builder, but they generally measured between 70 and 80 feet in length. They featured distinct camouflaged paint schemes to blend into their operational theater, whether in the Pacific or European waters.

They were powered by three Packard 4M-2500 V12 engines, which provided speeds up to 41 knots (around 47 mph), making them one of the fastest vessels in the navy at the time. Each boat was armed with a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, machine guns, depth charges, and rocket launchers.

Mission Roles

PT boats were utilized for a multitude of missions. Their primary purpose was torpedoing larger enemy ships, but they also excelled in scouting, laying mines, and conducting reconnaissance. Their speed and agility made them ideal for nocturnal operations, where they could sneak close to enemy formations under the cover of darkness.

The Pacific Campaign

PT boats gained legendary status in the Pacific Theater. They operated from makeshift forward bases, often shallow lagoons close to enemy-held islands. PT boats were instrumental during major campaigns such as the Battle of the Bismarck Sea and the Guadalcanal Campaign. At Guadalcanal, PT boats harassed Japanese supply lines and played a significant role in creating a blockade that stymied Japanese efforts to reinforce their troops.

One of the most famous incidents involving PT boats was the PT-109, commanded by then-Lieutenant John F. Kennedy. The vessel was cut in two by a Japanese destroyer, but thanks to Kennedy's leadership and the crew's resilience, most of the crew survived, and Kennedy's heroism was later instrumental in his political career.

European and Mediterranean Operations

While most of the naval activity involving PT boats took place in the Pacific, they also played a crucial role in the European and Mediterranean theaters. Here, they were used for covert operations along coastline areas controlled by the Axis powers. They supported landing operations and engaged in high-risk offensive tasks to disrupt enemy logistics and communications.

Vulnerability

Despite their speed and firepower, PT boats faced significant challenges. Constructed mainly from wood, they were highly susceptible to fire and would often burn rapidly when hit. Additionally, they lacked substantial armor, making them vulnerable to even small arms fire.

Reliability Issues

The powerful Packard engines were also prone to mechanical issues and required a high level of maintenance, which could be difficult to conduct in frontline conditions.

Navigational and Tactical Difficulties

Operating in the open sea created navigational challenges, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions. Also, because they primarily conducted operations at night, there was always the risk of friendly fire or accidental collisions.

Technological Evolution
Improvements and Upgrades

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