RFA Springleaf

RFA Springleaf

RFA Springleaf

Subsequent name:                Overbrook 

Official Number:                      216157                                                               

Class:                                       One of 4 American-ordered LEAF

Pennant No:

Laid down:
Builder:                                    Merchant Shipbuilding, Chester, Pennsylvania
Launched:                              17 November 1917
Into Service:                            Never entered service as an RFA
Out of service:
Fate:                                         26 April 1928 Destroyed by explosion and fire at 28.55N/79.30W

Items of historic interest involving this ship: - 

Background: - In 1917 the Admiralty ordered a further four tankers from the Chester Shipbuilding Co, which later became known as the Merchant Shipbuilding Corporation , Chester, Pa and these were to have been named SPRINGLEAF, SUMMERLEAF, AUTUMNLEAF and WINTERLEAF. All four were however taken over whilst building and were completed for the United States Shipping Board. Their subsequent careers have been researched purely as a matter of interest

17 November 1917 Launched by Chester Shipbulding Co, Chester, Pa as Yard Nr 341

April 1918 Completed as OVERBROOK for the USSB (Emergency Fleet Corporation)

26 April 1928 While on passage from Texas City to New York with a cargo of crude oil, she  suffered an explosion and subsequent fire. The crew abandoned ship and  was taken in tow but sank  off the coast of Florida in position 28.55N  79.30W

Notes:

1. Ordered by the Admiralty as an RFA but taken over by the US on or shortly before launch. Never served at sea as a Royal Fleet Auxiliary.