Hello Fabrizio,

LCT-311 sailed in convoy from Licata at about noon on 8 August 1943 in a large convoy of LCTs and RCTs escorted by the submarine chaser USS SC-979 bound for Bizerta.

The convoy encountered very rough weather and the next day at 0810 hours LCT-311 signalled she was in difficulty and, after an attempt to tow her failed, SC-979 came alongside to pick-up the crew. She was abandoned about 30 miles east of Pantelleria. I have found no indication that she had been hit by gunfire at Gela but it is possible.

The salvage ship USS BRANT (ARS-32) was at Licata at the time and received orders to try to tow her in. She sailed at 2109/9 but at 0100/10, she came under fire from the destroyer USS BENSON (DD-421) which had mistaken her for enemy. BRANT was hit four times and had ten killed or missing and eighteen wounded (initial report mentioned three killed and thirteen wounded) and had to turn back.

Apparently, LCT-311 must have been towed to Augusta by another vessel as she was reported ready to be docked there for repairs on 10 September 1943.

Sorry but I do not have anything more. Perhaps another member of this forum will be able to fill in he blanks.

Best regards,

Platon