The Concrete Ships of WWI and WWII: An Experiment In Maritime Construction
WWI
Atlantus
Cape Fear
Cuyamaca
Dinsmore
Latham
Moffitt
Palo Alto
Peralta
Polias
San Pasqual
Sapona
Selma
WWII
Anderson
Aspdin
Chateliere
Considere
Cowham
Eckel
Grant
Hennibique
Humphrey
Kahn
Lesley
Meade
Merriman
Pasley
Pollard
Saylor
Slater
Smeaton
Talbot
Thatcher
Vicat
Vidal
Vitruvius
Wason
Barges
Quartz
YOGN 82
Breakwaters
Powell River
Kiptopeke
 

S.S. David O. Saylor

The S.S. David O. Saylor was the first concrete ship built by McCloskey and Company in Tampa, Florida. She was launched in Novemeber of 1943 but was initially unable to sail due to improper pouring of the concrete, which was eventually fixed.

In March of 1944, the David O. Saylor and the S.S. Vitruvius set sail for Liverpool, England to join a fleet of ships to participate in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. On July 16, 1944, the S.S. Vitruvius and Saylor were partially sunk to form the "Gooseberry" breakwater off the coast of Normandy.

Location

The S.S. David O. Saylor lies off the coast of Normandy, France. At the time of her sinking, she was still visible above the water. How much is left of her now is unknown.

Photos

None available. However, since all the McCloskey ships are identical, you can see photos of the other ships to see what the David Saylor looked like.

Relevant Links

Vital Statistics

Gross Weight: 4,690 Tons
Net Weight: 2,738 Tons
Dimensions: 102.53 meters x 16.45 m x 10.66 m
Engine: T.3-cyl, Prescott Mehy Co.