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Advancing amphibious capabilities

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ISTDC

The Royal Marines also participated in setting up the Inter-Services Training Development Centre (ISTDC) in Portsmouth. The ISTDC opened in 1938 and was the UK's first military agency specifically dedicated to combined operations.

The Government decided to locate the ISTDC within the Royal Marines Establishment in Eastney and it also had a Royal Marine representative, Captain Picton-Phillips, amongst the staff.

Staff at the ISTDC developed techniques for landing troops, equipment and supplies ashore including landing tanks, amphibious vehicles, troop landings by air and air supply of stores and equipment. The centre also produced a floating pier for landings.

The Government, however, turned down the ISTDC’s initial bid for funds for the creation of a Landing Craft Carrier.

In 1939 the ISTDC produced a report underlining the poor state of the country’s amphibious capabilities stating that no major landing attack could take place within six months of an order being given.

Commandos embarked on an early LCM, c.1942-45. Landing Craft Mechanised (1), or LCM (1) was the first of many landing craft designed by the Inter-Service Training and development Centre (ISTDC) to carry personnel and landing vehicles. Production for the LCM (1) began in 1939 for trials. Manufacturers and the produced and developed these craft throughout the Second World War for use in some of the most notable operations of the war. (RMM)
Commandos embarked on an early LCM, c.1942-45. Landing Craft Mechanised (1), or LCM (1) was the first of many landing craft designed by the Inter-Service Training and development Centre (ISTDC) to carry personnel and landing vehicles. (RMM)

The Government granted the ISTDC funds for the construction of 18 small landing craft, 12 large landing craft and two support craft with armament and equipment.

By the outbreak of World War Two in September 1939 two prototype LCAs, the large landing craft carriers, were ready for trials and designs for LCM (1)s (Landing Craft Mechanised) and Landing Craft Support (Medium), or LCS (M), were also put into production.