RFA Toiler
RFA Toiler
RFA Toiler
As British Toiler © Barney Hunt
X craft general Class plan
Courtesy and © of Dave Mallard
Previous name: X100
Subsequent name: British Toiler, Shell Mex No 3
Official Number: 145266
Class: Former “X” Craft converted to a fuel barge
Pennant No: X100 (originally)
Laid down:
Builder: William Dobson, Newcastle
Launched: 1915
Into Service:
Out of service: Sold 1920
Fate: Broken uo
Items of historic interest involving this ship: -
Background Data: Was one of a Class of 225 units built during the First World War which were nicknamed Black Beetles which were born out of the need for a basic, shallow-draft, powered landing craft, and many were equipped with a hand-operated ramp extending over the spoon-shaped bow, while others were completed as water tankers and later saw service as fuel tankers. The first batches, completed in 1915, were towed out to the Mediterranean for service in the Gallipoli Campaign and were used for putting troops and equipment ashore at the Dardanelles
1916 completed by Wm Dobson & Co Ltd, Walker-on-Tyne as Y.N. 194 named X 100 for the Admiralty
1916/1917 Converted to oil fuel barge and renamed TOILER
December 1918 based on the Tyne
1919 in Northern Russia
1920 sold to Vauxhall Trading Co. Ltd. name unchanged
192x BRITISH TOILER, British Petroleum Company
1932 transferred to Shell-Mex & B.P. Ltd., London and renamed SHELL MEX No 3
1938 re-engined with 4cyl. by Crossley Bros., Manchester
19?? purchased by N.W. Woods, Gosport, name unchanged
1975 purchased by Northwood (Fareham) Ltd, Havant name unchanged
1981 to Bowker & King Ltd., London name unchanged
11/1987 broken up at Rochester by Romamet Ltd.