Built as a tanker under yard No. 1847 by Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend for the Royal Navy.
02 June1953 laid down.
02 June 1954 launched under the name RFA TIDEREACH (A 96) One of the Tide Class.
Tonnage 13.516 gross, 16.848 dwt, displacement 26.000 tons full load. Dim. 177.8 x 21.7 x 9.75m. (draught).
Powered by two Pametrade steam turbines, manufactured by Wallsend Slipway, 15.000 shp., double reduction to a single screw, speed 17 knots.
Cargo capacity of 8.500 tons FFO. 4.600 tons diesel and 1.900 tons Avcat (Jet Fuel).
Crew 100, accommodation for a total of 146 persons.
30 August 1955 commissioned.
The Tide Class was the first Admiralty designed, purpose built fleet replenishment tankers, who were able to replenish warships at sea.
She took part in the 1961 Kuwait operation.
March 1978 laid up at Portsmouth.
22 February 1979 sold for scrap.
16 March 1979 sailed from Portsmouth under tow of the German tug PETER WESSELS for Bilbao, Spain for scrapping.
20 March 1979 arrived at Bilbao, and was scrapped by Revalorizacion de Materiales S.A.
Tristan da Cunha 1978 20p sg252, sgMS?, scott 249.
Source: Royal Fleet Auxiliary by Adams & Smith. Marine New 1979.