The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was assigned a major role in the Sicily campaign. It was responsible for the landing and supply of Canadian and Allied forces during the operation. Four landing craft flotillas were assembled for the task. The 55th and 61st LCA (landing craft assault: lightly armoured craft capable of landing 30 troops directly onto a beach) flotillas would land Canadian, British, and American infantry forces. The 80th and 81st LCM (landing craft mechanized: armoured landing craft that could carry vehicles, light tanks, and troops) flotillas would be responsible for transporting armoured vehicles, jeeps, trucks, troops, and supplies for the duration of the operation.
On 9-10 July 1943, the 55th and 61st LCA flotillas were involved in landing operations. From 9 July to 5 August 1943, 24 landing craft of the 80th and 81st LCM flotillas transported 9,000 vehicles, 40,000 men, and 40,000 tons of supplies.
