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2. Using Winettes, Maracaibos and T.L.Cs., we estimate that for an operation involving 5 Divisions in the initial assault we should require a total of-
10 Winettes or Maracaibos, and about
400 T.L.Cs.
Clearly, to build such a number of T.L.Cs. by 1942 would seriously interfere with other vital production.
3. As an alternative to the T.L.C., the Admiralty have produced designs for a new craft the Brunette. The Brunette will carry either 22-40-ton tanks or 32-25-ton tanks at 81 knots and launch the tanks or vehicles direct on to the shore. We understand that its construction is simple and will not interfere with the shipbuilding programme except from the point of view of using steel. Although the Brunette will carry 5 times as much as a T.L.C., it should only cost about twice as much. It is not, however, an ideal assault craft and is only suitable as an easily worked ferry over short sea voyages in good weather. We would require about 70 Brunettes to land the force described above.
4. If the requirements set out in Annex I are approved, then the only additional requirement for cross-channel operations will be the construction of 70 Brunettes, assuming that this type of craft proves satisfactory in practice.
5. Approval to construct 70 Brunettes is therefore requested. Even if these craft should never be employed for cross-Channel operations, we suggest that they may well prove of great value in helping to unload incoming cargoes if our limited port facilities should become further impaired.
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