Built as a cargo-reefer vessel under yard no 801 by Sir James Laing & Sons , Sunderland for Ropner Shipping Co. U.K.
09 September 1953 launched under the name SOMERSBY.
Tonnage 8.438 gross, 3.266 net, 9.290 dwt, dim. 468.10 x 61.6 x 26.3ft.(draught)
One 6 cyl. 2SCSA Doxford oil engine, manufactured by R & W Hawthorn, Leslie & Co. Ltd. Newcastle, speed 18 knots.
Six cargo holds.
March 1954 delivered to owners.
After delivery used in the liner service between Europe and Gulf of Mexico.
Spring 1957 chartered by the RFA and used as a freighter for the transport of equipment from Trincomalee after the closure of the base.
1958 Sold to the British Admiralty.
After a conversion at the Smith Docks at North Shields between Feb. 1958 and Sept. 1958 she was commissioned as the first Air Victualing Stores Support Ship in the Royal Navy, capable of replenishing aircraft carriers at sea. Renamed RFA RELIANT (A84)
Fully loaded she had a displacement of 13.737 tons.
Fully air-conditioned for service in tropic waters. A helicopter deck was constructed over her poop deckhouse.
Complement of 110.
4 November 1958 she sailed from Chatham to the Far East for her roll as supply vessel for the aircraft carriers stationed there.
Between the autumn of 1960 and March 1961 refitted.
1973 Laid up at Rosyth till May 1974. Commissioned again until May 1976, then again laid up at Rosyth.
August 1976 on the sale list.
1977 Sold to T.W. Ward, Inverkeithing for scrap, and she arrived by the breaker on 23 August 1977.
During her career RFA RELIANT was very much the pride of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary-she was affectionately referred to as ‘the Yacht’ and kept in immaculate condition.
Tristan da Cunha 1978 25p sg253, scott250
Source http://www.btinternet.com/~warship/Post ... liant2.htm
Ropner Shipping Company 1874-1974 by Leonard Gray. Navicula. Register of Merchant Ships Completed in 1954.