US Navy

Mosquito of the Sea.

US Navy.

Elco (Electric Launch Company) pattern US Navy PT (Patrol Torpedo) boat (as usual) at speed. The main armament of PT boats consisted of torpedoes and depth charges. While they did carry guns for defensive purposes, their main defence lay in their speed and manoeuravability. Armour was nil - the hull construction, like that of the civilian pleasure speed boats upon which their design was based - consisted of a specialised form of plywood. However, this was found to be very strong, and PT boats proved capable of absorbing a surprising amount of battle damage. PT boats were widely deployed by the US Navy and Coast Guard, in particular, in the Pacific, but also in the Mediterranean, and out of the south east coast of England. Best regards, JR.