RFA Orangeleaf

RFA Orangeleaf

RFA Orangeleaf (1)

 

 

Previous name:                         RFA Bornol
Subsequent name:

Official Number:                        140300

Class:                                       5000T FAST LEAF (ex TEXOL) CLASS Fleet Attendant Tanker

Pennant No:                             X 26 / Y7.183 / X 40

Laid down:
Builder:                                    J L Thompson
Launched:                                26 October 1916   
Into Service:                            1 June 1917 
Out of service:                         1948
Fate:                                       Broken up

 

Items of historic interest involving this ship: -

 

Background Data:   All ordered in 1915, the six Admiralty-designed vessels in this Class were very advanced ships for their day. They were designed to act as Escorts on Atlantic Convoys during WW1, whilst also bringing cargoes of oil fuel from the U.S. to Britain. They were fitted with six boilers and four powerful cargo pumps with a pumping rate of 2000 tonnes per hour, which for many years was too high to be used by HM ships. They were originally planned to be named after oil bearing countries with the now usual OL suffix, but their military appearance and naval names caused difficulties with the U.S. Neutrality Act, so various modifications were made and they were then placed under commercial management and given LEAF names in common with other converted ships running as Admiralty tankers under commercial management

 

26 October 1916  launched by Sir Joseph L Thomson & Sons Sunderland as Yard Nr 523  named  BORNOL 

20 November 1916 Engineer Lieutenant Commander Thomas Riply RD RNR appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

28 November 1916 Lieutenant Commander William Gregory RNR appointed in command

31 May 1917 ran trials

1 June 1917 completed at a cost of £265,000. Placed under management of Lane & MacAndrew  Ltd, London as an oiler transport and  was renamed ORANGELEAF(1)

1917 to 1918 served on North Atlantic convoy duties

19 February 1918 HMS KING ALFRED while on North Atlantic Patrol out of Halifax logged she had sighted RFA Ornagleaf and RFA Pearleaf at 51 13N 30 41W

22 November 1918 entered New York with Captain David Evans RFA as Master and with a crew of 71

31 March 1919 berthed at Portsmouth from Stokes Bay

1 April 1919 sailed Portsmouth

5 April 1919 berthed at Portsmouth

7 April, 1919 sailed Portsmouth

15 November 1919 berthed at Libau in the Baltic  - a working parties from HMS EREBUS and HMS DAUNTLESS came onboard to collect naval stores

30 January 1920 berthed at Portsmouth

31 January 1920 sailed Portmouth

7 February 1920 sailed Portsmouth

25 February 1920 berthed at Portsmouth

26 February 1920 sailed Portsmouth

24 March 1920 berthed at Gibraltar from Hull

9 August 1920 at Copenhagen alongside HMS DRAGON to refuel her

4 September 1920 at Copenhagen alongside HMS DRAGON to refuel her

28 February 1921 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

22 March 1921 sailed Portsmouth Harbour

29 March 1921 at Devonport alongside HMS DELHI and HMS WARSPITE refuelling them

1922 to 1926 in reserve at Rosyth along with four of her sisters

1926 to 1932 brought out of reserve during the General Strike and was chartered to Anglo Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd, London

9 September 1928 Mr J Atchinson RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

14 September 1928 - suffered fire in boiler room while at Spithead. One Fireman - Joseph Harris who was badly burnt subsequently died at Haslar Hospital on 19 September 1928. (The Times) He is buried in Haslar Naval Cemetery Plot E Line 28 Grave 35 (The grave has no headstone)

11 January 1929 Captain R D Williams RFA appointed as Master

28 March 1929 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

2 April 1929 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour

3 May 1929 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

7 May 1929 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour

18 August 1929 while en route from Invergordon to Trinidad found the sailing ship Grace Hawar which was enroute from Australia to the UK after 123 days at sea and had run out of food. The Orangeleaf provided food to the ship. (The Times)

16 September 1929 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

18 September 1929 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour

24 October 1930 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

7 December 1930 Mr George T Beed RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

Chief Engineer Officer George T Beed RFA

22 December 1930 Captain G St.L Capsey RFA appointed as Master

31 December 1930 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour

1 January 1931 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

3 January 1931 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour

30 March 1931 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

2 April 1931 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour

15 June 1931 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

23 June 1931 Mr Clifford N Ansell RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

6 July 1931 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour

29 August 1931 at Point a Pierre, San Fernando, Trinidad Ordinary Seaman John H Gunn discharged dead after being accidentally drowned

1932 relieved RFA SERBOL as Bermuda Station Oiler for the America and West Indies Squadron

13 April 1932 Mr L A Sharp RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

23 April 1932 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

25 April 1932 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour

4 October 1932 Captain W Whiteley RFA appointed as Master

1 February 1933 the ship's cat - Minnie - was discharged dead at Chatham

25 January 1935 while at Bermuda received radio call from ss Valverda in the Atlantic on fire and requiring assistance in heavy seas. Orangeleaf put to sea to render assistance with HMS Frobisher. (The Times)

27 December 1935 Mr W Maybray RFA (Engineer Lieutenant RNR (ret)) appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

25 July 1936 berthed at Gibraltar from Malta for orders

5 August 1936 berthed at Gibraltar from El Ferol

14 September 1936 berthed at Gibraltar from Plymouth

21 October 1936 berthed at Gibraltar from Plymouth

2 November 1936 berthed at Gibraltar from Vigo

16 December 1936 berthed at Gibraltar from Bilbao to discharge

1937 on the West Africa Station 

11 February 1936 Captain T C Robinson RFA (Lieutenant Commander RN (Rtd)) appointed as Master

15 September 1939 sailed Kingston, Jamaica in convoy JKF.1 to Bermuda with a cargo of FFO, AVGAS and Dieso

14 October 1939 RAS'ed HMNZS Achilles 

 

 

 

Autumn 1939 supporting Force G - the South American Cruiser Squadron in the South Atlantic and at the time of the Battle of the River Plate on 13 December 1939

28 December 1939 sailed Colon to Trinidad arriving 2 January 1940

15 January 1940 sailed Trinidad to Jamaica arriving 20 January 1940

24 January 1940 sailed Jamaica to Bermuda arriving 30 January 1940

5 March 1940 Mr J E Hawthorn RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

30 March 1940 at Bermuda with RFA Abbeydale moored alongside - fire broke out on Abbeydale which caused damage to both ships - source Admiralty War Diary dated 31 March 1940 refers

4 April 1940 sailed Bermuda to Kingston arriving 8 April 1940

14 April 1940 sailed Kingston to Trinidad arriving 28 April 1940

17 May 1940 arrived at Kingston

8 June 1940 sailed Kingston to Bermuda

11 June 1940 sailed Bermuda to Kingston arriving 21 June 1940  

13 June 1940 Captain T G Bennett RFA (Lieut-Commander RN (Retd)) appointed as Master

11 July 1940 arrived at Castries, St. Lucia

15 July 1940 sailed Castries, St. Lucia

1 October 1940 South of the Azores escorted by HMS WISHART to refuel HMS RENOWN and her four destroyers

31 January 1941 sailed Gibraltar in Operation PICKET - (air attack on Lake Omodeo Dam, central Sardinia) and Operation RESULT (the bombardment of Genoa) - in Group 4 with RN escort. Operation Result was cancelled due to bad weather but was later carried out as Operation Grog

27 April 1941 in drydock and under repair at West Key(?), USA.

9 May 1941 sailed Gibraltar to New Orleans arriving 25 May 1941

15 June 1941 sailed New Orleans to Trinidad arriving 21 June 1941

14 July 1941 sailed Trinidad to Bermuda 

15 August 1941 Captain Stanley G Kent RFA appointed as Master

22 September 1941 to 27 September 1941 under repair at Trinidad

28 September 1941 sailed Trinidad to Bermuda arriving 3 October 1941

14 October 1941 sailed Trinidad to Kingston arriving 17 October 1941

19 October 1941 sailed Kingston to Cristobal 

21 November 1941 sailed to Port Payta to arrive 24 November 1941 to reprovision and then sail on 25 November 1941 to join HMS DIOMEDE on patrol - source Admiralty War Diary page 550 of 7 November 1941 

2 December 1941 sailed Kingston to Trinidad

1 January 1942 reported as at Jamaica with RFA Bishopdale in the Admiralty War Diary of this day

16 January 1942 in collision with the British steamer s.s BOTHNIA in Convoy FTT 6 - no  recorded damage 

12 March 1942 sailed Kingston, Jamaica to Trinidad arriving 17 March 1942

8 May 1942 sailed Trinidad independently to Kingston, Jamaica arriving on the 15 May 1942

20 May 1942 sailed Kingston independently to New Orleans arriving on 29 May 1942

19 June 1942 to 23 June 1942 boiler defects repaired at New Orleans

12 August 1942 sailed New Orleans independently to Key West arriving 15 August 1942

18 August 1942 sailed Key West in convoy WAT15 to Trinidad arriving 27 August 1942

26 September 1942 Mr Harold Ringshaw RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

 

Chief Engineer Officer Harold Ringshaw RFA

31 December 1942 sailed Freetown in convoy FTT6 to Trinidad arriving 15 January 1943

7 January 1943 refuelled F.S. COMMANDANT DROGOU

8 January 1943 refuelled H.M.S. HYDRANGEA

9 January 1943 refuelled H.M.S's BRIDGEWATER and ARMERIA

24 January 1943 sailed Trinidad in convoy TAG38 to Guantanamo, Cuba  arriving 29 January 1943

29 January 1943 sailed Guantanamo, Cuba in convoy GN38 to New York arriving 6 February 1942

8 February 1943 under going repairs at New York completed 27 February 1942

28 February 1943 sailed New York in convoy HX 228 arriving Liverpool on 15 March 1943 and then on to the Clyde in Convoy WN 407. During the voyage across the Atlantic at 51.20N, 29.29W  RFA Orangeleaf saved 63 crew and 1 passenger from the ss Andrea F. Luckenbach -a US ammunition ship which had been torpedoed, exploded and sunk by the German submarine U221

9 March 1943 attempted to RAS USS Belknap (CG26) astern at 49.27N 36.19W - RAS abandoned due to rough sea conditions

24 March 1943 sailed Loch Ewe in convoy WN 407 arriving Methil on 26 March 1943

26 March 1943 sailed Methil in convoy FS1073 arriving on the Tyne the next day 

5 April 1943 Captain C F Cunningham RFA appointed as Master

11 June 1943 sailed the Tyne and joined convoy FN1044 arriving at Methil the next day

13 June 1943 sailed Methil in convoy EN242 to Loch Ewe arriving at Oban on the 16 June 1943 along with RFA Robert Middleton

19 June 1943 sailed Liverpool in convoy KMS 17 to Gibraltar (in ballast) and then onto Algiers. RFA's Prestol,  Abbeydale, Salveda and Salvestor were in the same convoy. At Gibraltar 29 June arriving Algiers 3 July 1943

4 July 1943 at Algiers with USS Gherardi (DD637), USS McLanahan (DD615), USS Shubrick (DD639), USS Glennon (DD620) and USS Murphy (DDG112) alongside to refuel

5 July 1943 at Algiers with USS Nelson (DD623) alongside to refuel

16 July 1943 at Algiers with USS Woolsey (DD437) alongside to refuel - 15,210 gallons of fuel oil received

17 July 1943 at Algiers with USS Herndon (DD638) alongside to refuel

23 July 1943 at Algiers with USS Brooklyn (CL40) alongside to refuel

30 July 1943 at Algiers with USS Boise (CL47) and HMS Sirius alongside to refuel

31 July 1943 at Algiers with USS Schenck (DD159) alongside to refuel - received 5,200 gallons of fuel oil

12 August 1943 at Algiers moored alongside USS Savannah (CL42) to refuel her - supplied 431,631 galls of fuel oil and 882 gallons of aviation gasoline

18 August 1943 at Algiers with USS Dallas (DD199) alongside to refuel

9 October 1943 at Algiers moored alongside USS Boise (CL47) to refuel her 

9 November 1943 at Algiers with USS Nields (DD616) alongside to refuel

13 November 1943 at Algiers alongside USS McLanahan (DD615) and USS Tillman (DD641) alongside to refuel

22 January 1944 at Algiers with USS Wainwright (DD419) alongside to refuel

2 October 1944 sailed Algiers independently to Bizerta arriving 4 October 1944 

14 October 1944 sailed Bizerta independently to Taranto arriving two days later

29 October 1944 sailed Taranto

27 March 1945 sailed Taranto independently arrived Bari the next day

30 March 1945 sailed Bari independently to Taranto arriving the next day

3 May 1945 Captain H W Flint RFA appointed as Master

16 July 1945 sailed Taranto independently to Port Said arriving 20 July 1945 for Suez Canal transit

28 July 1945 sailed Aden independently to Bombay arriving 3 August 1945

15 August 1945 Mr A W Symons RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

19 August 1945 sailed Bombay

5 September 1945 arrived at Singapore in support of HMS Cleopatra and the 6th mine sweeping flotilla on the surrender of Japanese occupying forces

8 October 1945 in port at SIngapore - then sailed to Batavia

4 November 1945 at No 2 pier,Tanjong Priok harbour Batavia with HMAS Arunta alongside being refuelled with 270 tons of FFO

9 November 1945 sailed Batavia to Singapore arriving 12 November 1945

21 November 1945 sailed Singapore to Batavia arriving 6 December 1945

6 January 1946 at Batavia Fireman Sk Hoosein Mamood discharged dead having suffered from amoebic dysentery

4 February 1946 arrived at Singapore from Batavia

22 February 1946 entered the Dockyard for refit  - duration of 6 weeks

6 October 1946 sailed Singapore to Colombo arriving 13 October 1946 

18 October 1946 sailed Colombo to Abadan arriving 28 October 1946

29 October 1946 sailed Abadan

12 November 1946 arrived Port Said after Suez Canal transit

29 October 1946 sailed Abadan, passed Aden 6 November 1946. Arrived Port Said 12 November. Delayed 36 hours due to engine defects.

17 April 1947 laid up at Rosyth having been destored and was then handed over to the MoT for disposal

24 December 1947 sold to BISCO for scrap

25 January 1948 arrived for breaking up at T W Ward Ltd., Britton Ferry

 

 

RFA Orangeleaf (2)

 

 

 

 

 

Previous name:                      Southern Satellite

Subsequent name:

Official Number:                     186641

Class:                                    SECOND LEAF CLASS Support Tanker

Pennant No:                          A80

Laid down:                            27 November 1953
Builder:                                 Furness Shipbuilding, Haverton Hill
Launched:                             8 February 1955             
Into Service:                          25 May 1959
Out of service:
Fate:                                    Broken Up

 

Items of historic interest involving this ship: -

 

Background Data:

 

In June 1956 the London Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference discussed Britain’s future naval strategy and the vulnerability of static bases in the face of world-wide change. Consideration was given to the provision of Fleet Trains to supply warships at sea and the Admiralty announced plans to build up a force of such ships. So began a period of major Fleet modernisation with the bareboat chartering of 8 motor tankers for freighting duties that reintroduced the LEAF names to the Fleet. These 8 vessels were all broadly similar and were bareboat chartered as replacements for the DALE and WAVE Classes. Although primarily intended for freighting duties, most of them were also capable of replenishment at sea

 

8 February 1955 Launched by Furness Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd, Haverton-Hill  as Yard Nr  468 named SOUTHERN SATELLITE for South Georgia Co Ltd, (Chr. Salvesen &  Co Ltd, Managers) Leith

8 June 1955 completed

25 May 1959 bare-boat chartered by the Admiralty on the Clyde and renamed ORANGELEAF (2)

Refitted by Barclay, Curle & Co Ltd

28 October 1959 Mr E S R Bunker RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

8 December 1959 storm bound on the River Clyde at Glasgow

18 January 1960 Captain Frederick G Edwards OBE RFA appointed as Master

12 December 1960  Mr J Brett RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

July 1961 saw service during Operation Vantage - the Kuwait Crisis - along with 12 other  RFA’s

August 1962 became the first of this Class of Leaf’s to berth alongside in Portsmouth as draft  limitations  had precluded their discharge there and was open to the public over the Bank Holiday Navy Days

12 September 1962 Captain William F Curlett RFA appointed as Master

13 November 1962 Mr E Smeaton RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

28 February 1963 to 24 March 1963 was at Singapore undergoing repairs after a major defect had occurred

28 May 1963 her Ship’s Badge was officially presented to her

31 May 1963 Mr J Brett RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

4 January 1964 Captain Dan de V Moulds RFA appointed as Master

March 1964 After an engine breakdown was towed to Colombo by RFA TIDESPRING and  arrived there on Easter Saturday

4 June 1964 Mr E S Brazier RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

22 July 1965 Captain A Jackson OBE RFA appointed as Master

4 October 1965 Mr J Brett RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

6 September 1966 Captain P J McCarthy RFA appointed as Master

16 June 1967 Mr H W Jackinson RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

22 April 1968 was a target for HMS Resolution which fired two dummy torpedoes at Orangeleaf. The torpedoes went under the Orangeleaf and surfaced the other side of her to be recovered and reused

1969 suffered a tank explosion whilst at Falmouth

23 May 1969 Captain J D G Gray RFA appointed as Master

13 April 1971 berthed at Simonsrown Dockyard, South Africa

14 April 1972 berthed at Simonsrown Dockyard, South Africa

6 November 1972 berthed at Simonsrown Dockyard, South Africa

12 June 1973 deployed in support of RN units off Iceland during 2nd Cod War until 20 June 1973

April 1974 - from Force 4 - Captain Herbert J C Wheatley RFA was in command. Had loaded cargo in the Persian Gulf in late December 1973 and sailed for Gibraltar to partially unload. Then had been engaged in the support of HM ships visiting various ports in the Caribbean are and in the United States of America. SHe was due to return to the UK in April 1974 for a short refit before undertaking various tasks around the UK and a visit to Curacao. 

July 1978 arrived Singapore on expiry of her charter and was returned to her owners

12 July 1978 purchased by Goldwills (Hong Kong) Ltd for demolition

14 September 1978 arrived for breaking up after resale to Samsung Co Ltd at Seoul, South Korea

 

Notes:

 

1. Was the first of this Class of Leaf’s to use the WARRIOR berth at Pembroke to load fuel.

2. Was one of the 17 tankers employed in the Mozchan on Beira Patrol duties

 

 

 

 

RFA Orangeleaf (3)

 

 

 

Previous name:                       Hudson Progress, Balder London
Subsequent name:

Official Number:                      386245

Class:                                    THIRD LEAF CLASS Support Tanker

Pennant No:                          A110

Laid down:
Builder:                                  Cammell Laird, Birkenhead
Launched:                              12 February 1975
Into Service:                           2 May 1984

Out of service:
Fate:

 

Items of historic interest involving this ship: -

 

Background Data:

 

On 27 October 1978 it was announced that the MoD (N) was to charter 2 laid up STaT 32 standard product tankers which had originally formed part of a 4-ship order for commercial owners. After 3 of the ships had been laid down, the owners ran into financial difficulties and found that they were unable to accept the new ships. As they were the only mercantile order then in hand, the builders completed the 3 ships, and after running trials, they were laid up, 2 at Liverpool and 1 at Birkenhead. After some time had elapsed, the builders took over ownership of the ships by forming 3 subsidiary companies which then offered the ships for sale or charter. These eventually became RFA’s APPLELEAF (3), BRAMBLELEAF (3) and ORANGELEAF (3). Some years later, the 4th ship from this original order was built as RFA BAYLEAF (3). All 4 ships had additional accommodation and full RAS capabilities fitted and became useful units in the Fleet. Later on, a 5th vessel was chartered and was renamed  RFA OAKLEAF (2), but she differed considerably from the earlier 4 Leafs

 

October 1973 a loan of £4,296,160 was secured with Barclays Bank for her construction costs. Laid down

12 February 1975 launched by Cammell Laird Shipbuilders Ltd, Birkenhead as Yard Nr 1362 named  HUDSON PROGRESS for John Hudson Fuel and Shipping Ltd (Hudson Steamship Co, Managers) Brighton .The Lady Sponsor was Mrs J.E. Appleby, wife of Mr John Appleby, Managing Director of Hudson Steamship Co Ltd.

July 1975 ran builder’s trials and on completion of these was laid up at Birkenhead  and  was transferred to the ownership of Moonchase Ltd, a subsidiary of the builders

December 1976 owners and builders agreed financial terms that enabled her repossession

June 1979 purchased by Lloyds Industrial Leasing Ltd, London

26 June 1979 sailed from the Mersey for trials on the Clyde

28 June 1979 completed

July 1979 leased to Parley Augustsson (Management) AS, Oslo and renamed BALDER  LONDON

13 May 1982 sailed Portsmouth after being requisitioned for service during Operation Corporate -  the Falklands Conflict

2 May 1984 bare-boat chartered by MoD (N) and formally renamed ORANGELEAF (3) by Mr A  Kemp, DST (SF)

9 May 1984 arrived Falmouth for partial conversion

2 May 1986 conversion completed and entered operational service

September 1985 arrived on the Tyne for full conversion

13 June 1988 sailed Portsmouth as part of Task Group 318.1 - the Outback 88 Deployment led by  the carrier HMS ARK ROYAL - along with RFA’s FORT GRANGE and OLWEN (2)

1989 was awarded an inscribed plaque by the General Council of British Shipping to commemorate her service on Armilla Patrol between November 1986 and 20 August 1988 when the “Accompanying Policy” was in force. Other recipients were RFA’s APPLELEAF (3), BRAMBLELEAF (3), DILIGENCE, OLNA(3) and  TIDESPRING

19 June 1989 Mr Robert Settle RFA appointed Chief Engineer Officer

9 August 1990 supported the destroyer HMS YORK following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait whilst  on Armilla Patrol in the Gulf when Operation Granby - the Gulf War - was approved

7 September 1990 RASed USS Reid and USS Vandegrift in the Persian Gulf

1991 Was awarded the Kuwait 1991 Battle Honour along with 10 other RFA’s

14 August 1992 Captain Pat Thompson RFA appointed as Commanding Officer

14 August 1992 to 28 August 1992 humanitarian relief - supported the destroyer HMS CARDIFF and the frigate HMS CAMPBELTOWN in the West Indies in the wake of Hurricane Andrew

April 1994 Captain Dale Worthington RFA appointed as Commanding Officer

Captain Dale Worthington RFA

4 July 1995 Captain Pat Thompson OBE RFA appointed as Commanding Officer

14 October 1997 to 30 October 1997 Supported the frigate HMS MONMOUTH and FS SURCOUF off Pointe Noire in West Africa on Operation Kingfisher - in readiness for evacuation during the deteriorating political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

7 November 1997 together with HMS Monmouth made an informal visited to Tema, Ghana for seven days

11 February 1998 ordered to stand by off Sierra Leone with the frigate HMS MONMOUTH as part of  Operation Resilient -to provide humanitarian assistance during the Civil War in the region

18 January 1999 to 26 March 1999 in refit

2001 purchased by MoD (N)

12 July 2001 to 14 July 2001 berthed at Gibraltar

8 March 2002 to 14 March 2002 berthed at Gibraltar

22 May 2002 to 27 May 2002 berthed at Malaga, Spain

10 June 2002 to 14 June 2002 berthed at Valencia, Spain

11 September 2002 to 19 September 2002 berthed at Gibraltar

25 October 2002 to 4 November 2002 berthed at Gibraltar

8 November 2002 to 11 November 2002 berthed at Gibraltar

30 November 2002 Captain Brian J Waters OBE RFA appointed as Commanding Officer

29 November 2002 deployed with RFA Fort Victoria, HMS Marlborough and HMS Liverpool in Exercise Flying Fish while part of Naval Task Group 2003

13 January 2003 at Gibraltar

24 January 2003 berthed at Gibraltar

2 February 2003 to 28 May 2003 deployed for Operation Telic - the 2nd Gulf War - along with  13 other RFA’s

18 May 2003 to 21 May 2003 together with RFA's Sir Bedivere and Sir Percivale visited Malta

29 May 2003 returned to Portsmouth on completion of Operation Telic duties

27 June 2003 passed down the Kiel Canal, Germany

27 October 2003 to 31 October 2003 together with HMS Somerset visited Koper, Slovenia

23 January 2004 involved with Maltese and Italian authorities and aircraft in the rescue of an Italian fishing vessel Giuseppina Madre which reported it was in difficulties some 65 nautical miles SE of Malta. She stood by throughout the operation and subsequently tried to salvage the vessel but this proved impossible due to the severe weather conditions and it was abandoned

24 to 30 January 2004 at Malta

17 December 2004 berthed at Gibraltar

13 January 2005 sailed from Gibraltar

19 April 2005 berthed at Gibraltar

28 April 2005 sailed from Gibraltar

4 June 2005 anchored off Douglas, Isle of Man - LH (Cook) Keith Rice and Seaman 1A Mark Petre lost overboard.

28 June 2005 Took part in the International Fleet Review for Trafalgar 200 at Spithead along with RFA’s ARGUS, FORT GEORGE, FORT VICTORIA, SIR BEDIVERE, SIR GALAHAD (2), SIR TRISTRAM and WAVE RULER (2)

19 August 2005 berthed at Gibraltar

27 August 2005 sailed from Gibraltar

14 and 15 March 2006 chartered by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) for use as a 'casualty' during Exercise Bluewater during which ships, aircraft and others facilities carried out an extensive Maritime Emergency Response and Counter Pollution exercises off the South West coast of the UK

 

 

 

RFA Orangeleaf during Operation Bluewater

© MCA 2006 – both images

 

10 April 2006 Captain Anthony McNally RFA appointed as Commanding Officer until 1 July 2006

11 July 2006 at Torpoint

16 August 2009 on the River Clyde

22 April 2010 exit Alfred Dock, Liverpool

17 June 2010 entered Portsmouth Harbour

28 June 2010 sailed Portsmouth Harbour

August 2010 Captain Ross Ferris OBE RFA appointed as Commanding Officer

30 August 2010 moored to C Buoy, Plymouth Sound

15 October 2010 Captain Anthony McNally RFA appointed as Commanding Officer until 18 December 2010

13 November 2010 moored to D Buoy, Plymouth Sound

30 April 2011 alongside at Yonderberry Oil Fuel Depot, Devonport

8 July 2011 arrived at Devonport

18 August 2011 berthed at Gibraltar

21 August 2011 sailed Gibraltar

30 August 2011 sailed Yonderberry Pier, Devonport to sea

6 January 2012 sailed Plymouth Sound

7 February 2012 various locations south of Portland Bill

27 February 2012 sailed Plymouth Sound to sea

26 March 2012 sailed Plymouth Sound to sea

7 April 2012 20 miles ESE of Berry Head  found the trimaran Starship with crew members unwell onboard. Medical assistance was given. The Torbay lifeboat was called and the trimaran was towed into Brixham harbour

13 May 2012 sailed Plymouth Sound to sea

15 July 2012 sailed Portland to sea

20 July 2012 arrived at Plymouth Sound

26 July 2012 berthed alongside at Portland with RFA Mounts Bay also alongside

2 August 2012 sailed Portland to sea returning later the same day

8 August 2012 sailed Portland to Devonport arriving on 10 August 2012

25 August 2012 sailed Plymouth to sea

31 August 2012 arrived at Plymouth Sound

3 September 2012 sailed Plymouth Sound to sea

9 September 2012 sailed Portland Harbour to sea

21 September 2012 sailed Yonderberry Jetty, Devonport to Plymouth Sound

23 September 2012 arrived at Birkenhead

3 March 2013 sailed Liverpool

17 March 2013 sailed Liverpool

29 March 2013 arrived at Portland Harbour