What was the primary mission of the NCDU during World War II?

• A. Prepare bases for landing craft
• B. Destroy enemy coastal fortifications
• C. Destroy barriers and underwater obstacles
• D. Conduct offshore artillery spotting

Answer: (C)

Removing obstacles blocking amphibious landings is what the NCDU was all about. Their primary job was to destroy barriers and underwater obstacles along beaches so invasion craft could reach shore and troops could disembark safely. This involved locating anti-landing obstacles, placing charges, and sometimes diving to clear mines or nets just offshore. Because their purpose was to open a path for the assault, this mission best fits the option describing destruction of barriers and underwater obstacles. The other tasks—preparing bases for landing craft, destroying coastal fortifications, or providing offshore artillery spotting—were handled by different specialists and not the core duty of these demolition units.