Strange bow

[roycruse]

Does anyone know what this "S" shaped seam in the bow of the RFA Sir Galahad is for - does it open up "Bond" style and swallow up submarines

[Pete7]

Close, they are roll on roll off ferries designed to park on the beach and allow the troops to storm ashore. The front is false and there is another water tight door behind it.

Pete

[Tim M]

Notice the very high water line....this is there becasuse the ship can take on water into tanks in the hull which "sink" it several feet. The bow then comes up and reveals a ramp which allows other craft to be driven off into the sea and onto the beach.