During the Second World War, the Royal Navy commissioned several headquarters ships (sometimes referred to as Landing Ship Headquarters), which were responsible for communication between aircraft, ships and shore during amphibious operations. The first such recognised ship was HMS Bulolo.

During the Second World War, four Landing Ships Headquarters (Large) (or LSH(L)s) were commissioned into the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy Captain-class frigates Dacres, Kingsmill and Lawford were converted to headquarters ships ahead of the Normandy landings.