The Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP) or Higgins Boat was one of the most vital pieces of Allied naval equipment of the Second World War. Used not only during Operation Overlord and the invasion of occupied France, but also throughout American naval operations in the Pacific, proving to be particularly useful during the operations at Okinawa and Iwo Jima. With a shallow draught and full-width bow ramp it was able to offload its cargo and leave the beach in just 3 to 4 minutes.