Operation Corporate was the codename given to the 1982 British military involvement in the Falkland Islands during the Falklands War.
February 1982
RFA Stromness commenced de-storing prior to withdrawal from service as a Defence Economy Measure
22 February 1982
RFA Tidepool sailed Portsmouth after sale to the Chilean Navy
18 March 1982
About 40 Argentinian commandos with 40 scrap metal merchants land at Leith, South Georgia from the Argentinian Naval Supply Ship Bahia Buen Suceso
26 March 1982
RFA Fort Austin received orders to divert to Gibraltar to load stores for HMS Endurance
27 March 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) on passage from Curaçao to the U.K. with a full cargo is diverted to Gibraltar to embark general naval stores then proceed south to support HMS Endurance and RFA Fort Austin
29 March 1982
RFA Fort Austin sailed from Gibraltar to support HMS Endurance in the South Atlantic
1 April 1982
RFA Stromness begins restoring at Portsmouth
RFA Appleleaf (3) loads cargo at Gibraltar
RFA Bayleaf (3) in dry dock at Eastham fitting out
2 April 1982
Argentine military forces invaded the Falkland Islands
RFA Appleleaf (3) sailed from Gibraltar to take up refuelling duties with the Task Force escorted by the frigate HMS Plymouth
RFA Sir Bedivere was recalled to the U.K. from the West coast of Canada
RFA Sir Geraint at Devonport destoring prior to refit. Orders changed to restore, load cargo, bunkers and fresh water
RFA Regent sailed Rosyth to Glen Mallen to load cargo
RFA Sir Tristram sailed from Belize for Ascension Island
RFA Tidespring (1) sailed from Gibraltar
RFA Sir Lancelot returns to Marchwood Military Port from Zeebrugge and receives change of orders
RFA Sir Percivale sails for Marchwood Military Port from Zeebrugge
3 April 1982
Argentine military forces invaded South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
RFA Sir Percivale arrived at Marchwood Military Port from Zeebrugge to load and receive a change of orders
4 April 1982
RFA Tidepool was recalled after arrival at Arica in Chile
RFA Sir Geraint at Devonport loaded 616 tons of bunkers, 76 tons of fresh water, ammunition and vehicles
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) sailed from Portland for Ascension Island
5 April 1982
RFA Brambleleaf (3) diverted from Armilla Patrol duties in the Arabian Gulf to proceed round the Cape of Good Hope for service during Operation Corporate and sailed from the Gulf of Oman to land embarked wives at Mombasa
RFA Olmeda with 2 x Sea King helicopters from ‘A’ Flight 824 Naval Air Squadron embarked sailed from Devonport
RFA Olna (3) sailed from Mombasa to the UK
RFA Sir Geraint at Devonport loaded a further 141 tons of bunkers
RFA Pearleaf (2) loaded with FFO for HMS Hermes, the only RN ship to use this type of fuel sailed from Portsmouth
RFA Sir Percivale with 3 x Gazelle helicopters and part of HQ Company 45 Royal Marine Commando embarked sailed from Marchwood Military Port and anchored in Lyme Bay
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 315 tons of bunkers
6 April 1982
RFA Sir Lancelot with 3 x Scout helicopters and part of Commando Log Regt, 1st Raiding Squadron Royal Marines and B Flight Bde Air Squadron embarked sailed from Marchwood Military Port
RFA Resource (2) with 1 x Wessex 5 helicopter from ‘A’ Flight 845 Naval Air Squadron and part of Zulu Company 45 Royal Marine Commando embarked sailed from Rosyth
RFA Fort Austin arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Sir Galahad (1) with 3 x Gazelle helicopters and 350 Royal Marines embarked sailed from Devonport
RFA Sir Geraint with 3 x Gazelle helicopters and part of ‘Z’ company, 45 Royal Marine Commando embarked sailed from Devonport
7 April 1982
Amphibious Landing Group assembled at sea. This consisted of RFA’s Sir Galahad (1), Sir Geraint and Sir Percivale escorted by the LPD HMS Fearless and HM frigates Alacrity and Antelope
RFA Pearleaf (2) joined the Amphibious Landing Group
RFA Stromness sailed from Portsmouth having rapidly restored and with 429 Royal Marines embarked
8 April 1982
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Alacrity and HMS Antelope
9 April 1982
RFA Fort Austin having embarked 3 x Lynx equipped with Sea Skua missiles and 2 x Wessex 5 helicopters from 815 and 845 Naval Air Squadrons sailed from Ascension Island
RFA Regent sailed Glen Mallen for Plymouth Sound
10 April 1982
RFA Tidespring (1) arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Plumleaf (2) sailed south through the Bay of Biscay in company of Mv Elk and the troopship Canberra
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Invincible
RFA Bayleaf (3) sailed Eastham to Portland to load cargo and stores
11 April 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) arrived at Ascension Island as part of TG 317.8 / 11 and anchored at Clarence Bay
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes and HMS Broadsword
RFA Resource (2) and RFA Stromness joined the Amphibious Landing Group at sea
12 April 1982
RFA Fort Austin replenished HMS Endurance then headed back north to meet the South Georgia Task Group
RFA Plumleaf (2) proved light jackstay transfer with the troopship Canberra then changes course to return to the UK
RFA Regent arrived Plymouth Sound to load cargo and bunkers
RFA Tidepool arrived Willemstad, Curaçao to load cargo, stores and a full RFA complement
RFA Tidespring (1) sailed from Ascension Island with the ‘Antrim’ Group and with 2 x Wessex 5 helicopters from ‘C’ Flight 845 Naval Air Squadron embarked
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Invincible and HMS Alacrity
13 April 1982
RFA Brambleleaf (3) off the Cape of Good Hope en-route to the TEZ (Total Exclusion Zone) around the Falkland Islands
RFA Fort Austin rendezvoused with RFA Tidespring (1) for a fuel transfer and to transfer food, ammunition and the SAS/SBS teams to the destroyer HMS Antrim and the frigate HMS Plymouth and to transfer a full RN Surgical Support Team to RFA Tidespring (1) in preparation for Operation Paraquat – the retaking of South Georgia
14 April 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) sailed Ascension Island for “tanking duties“ in the region of 40 degrees south
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes, HMS Invincible, HMS Alacrity and HMS Broadsword
RFA Tidespring (1) and the Antrim Group rendezvoused with HMS Endurance
16 April 1982
RFA Blue Rover sailed from Portsmouth
RFA Fort Austin RASed with HMS Brilliant and HMS Sheffield
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) arrived at Ascension Island and refuelled
17 April 1982
RFA Resource (2) arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Tidepool sailed from Willemstad
RFA Tidespring (1) entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Glamorgan
18 April 1982
RFA’s Olmeda and Resource (2) sailed from Ascension Island as part of the Carrier Battle Group
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible
19 April 1982
Amphibious Landing Group arrived at Ascension Island where they were joined by RFA Sir Tristram
RFA Brambleleaf (3) entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands having encountered severe weather in the South Atlantic causing bow damage which led to some of her tanks becoming contaminated with seawater
RFA Plumleaf (2) sailed from Portland
RFA Regent with 2 x Wessex 5 helicopters from ‘A’ Flight 848 Naval Air Squadron embarked sailed Plymouth Sound
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 1,302 tons of bunkers
RFA Olmeda Vertreped with RFA Stromness and HMS Antelope
20 April 1982
RFA Resource (2) RASed with HMS Broadsword
RFA Stromness arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Tidespring (1) edged within 200 miles of South Georgia
21 April 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) “motorway tanking” in the vicinity of 40° south. She receives 4,203 metric tons of FFO, 3,788 metric tons of Diesel and 1,845 metric tons of AVCAT from the Requisitioned BP tanker British Tay
RFA Fort Austin arrived back at Ascension Island to restore
RFA Tidespring (1) arrived off South Georgia for Operation Paraquat with M Coy 45 Commando
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Ardent and HMS Argonaut at 40°41N 12°32W
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Glamorgan
22 April 1982
RFA Pearleaf (2) arrived at Ascension Island and RASed with troopship Canberra
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible
RFA Tidespring’s 2 x Wessex helicopters crashed on Fortuna Glacier and were lost
23 April 1982
RFA Brambleleaf (3) joined Operation Paraquat – the retaking of South Georgia. Proceeded 200 miles off South Georgia with RFA Tidespring (1) for a pump over which had to be abandoned due to a submarine alert which turned out to be the Argentinean Sante Fe
RFA Fort Austin sailed Ascension Island to rejoin the Carrier Battle Group
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Ardent and HMS Argonaut at 30°07N 18°19W
RFA Resource (2) Vertrep with HMS Hermes
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes, HMS Invincible and three other ships
24 April 1982
RFA Tidespring’s pump over with RFA Brambleleaf (3) was completed
RFA Brambleleaf (3) sailed for the U.K.
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with HMS Brilliant
RFA Sir Geraint anchored off Ascension Island with RMAS Typhoon berthed alongside loading fresh water
A Sea King helicopter was forced to ditch. A combined rescue operation was mounted by RFA Olmeda, RFA Resource (2) and HMS Yarmouth. RFA Resource (2) detailed to recover the helicopter. The pilot survived but the crewman was missing presumed dead
25 April 1982
RFA Olmeda entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Pearleaf (2) sailed from Ascension Island and conducted a record pump over with British Tamar
RFA Resource (2) entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Sir Bedivere arrived at Marchwood Military Port from Vancouver
RFA Grey Rover undertook a trial RAS with the Stuft ship mv Atlantic Conveyor
26 April 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) relieved from “motorway tanking duties” and headed for the TEZ
RFA Bayleaf (3) sailed Portland to stretch her RAS rigs with RFA Grey Rover then sailed for Gibraltar and Ascension Island in company with the LPD HMS Intrepid
RFA Blue Rover arrived Ascension Island and then sailed again that same day for South Georgia
RFA Fort Austin entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Tidepool arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Ardent and HMS Argonaut at 14°01N 18°02W
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 530 tons of bunkers
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) sailed from Ascension Island to Tristan da Chuna
27 April 1982
RFA Tidespring (1) embarked 187 Argentinean PoW’s at Cumberland Bay in South Georgia
RFA Stromness RASed food provisions with roopship Canberra
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Glamorgan and HMS Glasgow
28 April 1982
RFA Regent RASed with RFA Plumleaf (2) at 03°30N 16°31W receiving 790 tons of fuel
RFA Blue Rover arrived at Ascension
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible
29 April 1982
RFA Sir Percivale alongside the STUFT ship MV Fort Toronto and loaded 1,003 tons of fresh water
Amphibious Landing Group sailed from Ascension Island
RFA Appleleaf (3) joined the Carrier Battle Group to commence RAS (L) operations
RFA Regent arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Sir Bedivere sailed from Marchwood Military Port
30 April 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) pumped her remaining avcat to RFA Olmeda and then detached to replenish her own tanks from the requisitioned BP tanker British Esk
RFA Sir Lancelot loaded 500 tons of fresh water from the requisitioned Fort Toronto
The LSL group sailed from Ascension escorted by HMS Antelope and later HMS Antrim. They joined up with HMS Fearless and the rest of the Amphib Task Group on 16 May
image kindly donated by Ian Pain
RFA Regent anchored at Ascension Island
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 242 tons of bunkers
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Glasgow and HMS Sheffield
1 May 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) arrived at Ascension Island and RASed with the troopship Canberra at 07°54S 14°25W supplying 2,171 tons of fuel
RFA Tidespring (1) sailed from Cumberland Bay to land her PoW’s at Ascension Island
RFA Resource (2) arrived at Ascension Island and anchors
RFA Bayleaf (3) suffered fuel leak on engines while on passage to Gibraltar. Stopped for repairs
2 May 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) rendezvoused with RFA Tidespring (1) and transferred the latter’s avcat into her own tanks. The fuel had originally come from RFA Brambleleaf (3)
RFA Blue Rover entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Regent sailed from Ascension Island
RFA Resource (2) RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes – emergency breakaway due to possible air attack – and a further ten ships
RFA Tidespring (1) sailed from South Georgia with 185 Argentinian Prisoners of War embarked
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with British Tamar and received 503 tons of fuel
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) arrived at Tristan da Chuna and sailed the same day to South Georgia
3 May 1982
RFA Fort Austin rejoined the Carrier Battle Group
RFA Resource (2) Vertrep with HMS Hermes
RFA Tidespring (1) rendezvoused with RFA Appleleaf (3) for a pump over
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Fearless, HMS Ardent and HMS Argonaut at 07°52S 14°14W
RFA Bayleaf (3) berthed at Gibraltar to load further cargo
4 May 1982
RFA Fort Austin embarked 170 survivors and the Lynx helicopter from the stricken destroyer HMS Sheffield after the Exocet attack on the latter
RFA Pearleaf (2) entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
5 May 1982
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 402 tons of bunkers
RFA Olmeda RASed with ten ships
6 May 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) headed south in company with RFA Blue Rover escorted by the frigate HMS Plymouth
RFA Plumleaf (2) sailed from Ascension Island
RFA Tidepool sailed from Ascension Island with 2 x Wessex 5’s from E Flight 845 NAS embarked and RASed with the troopship Canberra – 740 long tons of FFO and 100 tons of fresh water water over 3½ hours. She then RASed with mv Elk and at midnight with HMS Ardent
7 May 1982
RFA Brambleleaf (3) sailed Ascension Island to Portland
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with the Hospital Ship Uganda
8 May 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) rendezvoused with RFA’s Fort Austin, Blue Rover and Olmeda and commenced a pump over to the latter
RFA Regent entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Fort Austin RASed (A) with HMS Hermes
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) berthed alongside at King Edward Point, South Georgia
9 May 1982
RFA Blue Rover arrived at Cumberland Bay, South Georgia to act as Station Tanker there
RFA Fort Austin RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Olna (3) sailed from Gosport with 2 x Wessex 5 helicopters from ‘B’ Flight 848 Naval Air Squadron embarked as part of the HMS Bristol Task Group
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Sir Bedivere sailed from Ascension
10 May 1982
RFA Engadine with 4 x Wessex helicopters from ‘A’ Flight 847 Naval Air Squadron and a maintenance crew from 825 Naval Air Squadron embarked sailed from Devonport
RFA Plumleaf (2) entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Sir Bedivere arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Sir Geraint loaded 299 tons of bunkers
11 May 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) sailed from Gibraltar to Ascension Island
RFA Regent joined the Carrier Battle Group
RFA Tidepool joined the Amphibious Landing Group
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with RFA Sir Geraint
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 372 tons of bunkers
RFA Stromness RASed with HMS Intrepid
12 May 1982
RFA Brambleleaf (3) arrived at Portland to tank clean and for repairs
RFA Sir Bedivere at Ascension Island – FCDT3 embarked
RFA Sir Tristram at Ascension Island – FCDT1 embarked
RFA Tidepool RASed with the troopship Canberra supplying 950 long tons of FFO and 200 tons of fresh water over 3½ hours and also RASed with HMS Intrepid with Avcat and Diesol and HMS Fearless with 779 tons Diesol
RFA Tidespring (1) arrived at Ascension with Argentine prisoners from South Georgia being returned to their country
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Plymouth
RFA Stromness Vertrep with the troop ship Canberra – beer
STUFT tanker British Esk pump over to RFA Appleleaf (3)
13 May 1982
STUFT tanker British Esk continued pump over to RFA Appleleaf (3)
RFA Fort Grange having completed a refit one month early sailed from Devonport with 3 x Seaking helicopters from 824 Naval Air Squadron ‘C’ Flight embarked
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with RFA Pearleaf (2)
RFA Regent RAS’ed with HMS Glamorgan and VERTREP with HMS Brilliant
RFA Sir Bedivere sailed from Ascension Island
RFA Tidespring (1) at Ascension Island with HMS/m ONYX alongside being refueled
RFA Stromness entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Tidepool entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
14 May 1982
RFA Resource (2) RASed with HMS Invincible
RFA Olmeda RAS with HMS Hermes
RFA Fort Grange sailed from Glen Douglas for Ascension Island
RFA Bayleaf (3) anchored off Ascension Island
RFA Tidespring (1) sailed Ascension Island for the TEZ
15 May 1982
RFA Engadine arrived at Gibraltar enroute to the Falkland Islands to load bunkers
RFA Resource (2) RASed with RFA Regent
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Antrim
RFA Stromness RASed with HMS Intrepid and HMS Fearless with stores
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with HMS Exeter
16 May 1982
RFA Fort Austin recovered a number of Special Forces and their equipment which had been parachuted into the South Atlantic from a Hercules transport aircraft
RFA Plumleaf (2) detached from Amphibious Group to act as a “motorway station” for southbound ships
RFA Regent Vertrep with HMS Hermes
RFA Tidespring (1) sailed from Ascension Island with 2 replacement Wessex 5 helicopters to the TEZ for replenishment of ships of the Task Group
RFA Engadine sailed from Gibraltar
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 330 tons of bunkers
RFA Olmeda RASed with eight ships
17 May 1982
RFA Fort Austin RASed with RFA Regent and HMS Hermes
RFA Regent RASed with HMS Coventry and Vertrep with HMS Hermes
RFA Pearleaf (2) RASed with the troopship Canberra – supplying 700 long tons of FFO over 4 hours and also with HMS Intrepid and HMS Fearless
RFA Appleleaf (3) RASed with HMS Hermes, HMS Invincible and two frigates
18 May 1982
RFA Sir Bedivere entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with the STUFT tanker British Dart and received 8201 tons of fuel
RFA Stromness RASed with HMS Antrim
19 May 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Tidepool RASed with HMS Fearless
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 166 tons of bunkers
RFA Grey Rover RASed with STUFT Sea Link Ferry St Edmund off Plymouth
20 May 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Ambuscade and HMS Exeter
RFA Pearleaf (2) RASed with HMS Intrepid
21 May 1982
Amphibious Landing Group entered San Carlos Water led by RFA Sir Percivale
RFA Stromness and RFA Fort Austin entered San Carlos Water along with the HMS Fearless Group and claimed a kill on an Argentinean aircraft
RFA’s Sir Percivale, Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad (1), Sir Tristram and Sir Geraint enter the Falkland Sound
RFA Stromness – 45 Commando leave for Ajax Bay
RFA Sir Lancelot – replacement Blowpipe missiles flown to the troopship Canberra
22 May 1982
RFA Fort Grange arrived at Ascension Island
RFA Brambleleaf (3) berthed alongside at Portland from Gibraltar
RFA’s Resource (2), Regent and Olmeda each RASed with HMS Exeter
RFA Resource (2) also RASed and loaded 143 tons of bunkers
23 May 1982
RFA Olna (3) entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Resource (2) entered San Carlos Water along with RFA’s Sir Bedivere and Tidepool
RFA Pearleaf (2) RASed with the STUFT tanker British Trent
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Active, HMS Avenger and HMS Bristol
RFA Resource (2) Vertrep with the troopship Canberra – 160 loads transferred – (61 pallets of ‘compo’ and 100 pallets of stores and ammunition)
RFA Tidepool whilst preparing to RAS with HMS Ambuscade the tanker sheered across in front of the frigate causing a collision. No major damage was reported
24 May 1982
RFA Fort Austin near-missed by Argentinean bombs in San Carlos Water along with RFA’s Resource (2) and Stromness the later suffering minor damage
RFA Fort Grange sailed from Ascension Island
RFA Pearleaf (2) RASed with the STUFT tanker British Trent
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Andromeda, HMS Cardiff and HMS Minerva
RFA Sir Bedivere whilst anchored in San Carlos Water was hit by an Argentinean bomb which cut through her crane’s steel plating and then bounced into the sea before exploding and caused minor damage. She also claimed one Mirage splashed
RFA Sir Galahad (1) hit by a 1000 lb bomb which failed to explode. Fire breaks out onboard and is extinguished
RFA Sir Lancelot hit by 1000 lb bomb which failed to explode and two other bombs which bounced over the ship. Bomb caused damage while passing through ship resulting in no firemain, no power to the bridge or the radio room. Ship evacuated. A fire which broke out is extinguished
RFA Sir Percivale sailed from San Carlos Water
25 May 1982
RFA Engadine arrived at Ascension Island
RFA’s Fort Austin, Stromness and Resource (2) reported suspicious underwater noises and members of FCDT 1 and FCDT 3 searched the ships’ hulls of all RFA’s in the area to ensure that no explosive devices had been planted.
RFA Fort Austin embarked survivors from the destroyer HMS Coventry and sailed from San Carlos Water
RFA Resource (2) sailed from Falkland Sound along with RFA’s Sir Percivale, Stromness and Tidepool escorted by the frigate HMS Ambuscade
RFA Sir Lancelot was bombed again and again the bomb failed to explode but caused damage to the Sergeants Mess and galley on her port side. Also strafed by 20mm cannon.
MV Atlantic Conveyor, a STUFT ship was hit by an Exocet Missile. Ten people onboard were killed including all three embarked RFA personnel
RFA’s Tidepool and Sir Bedivere sailed from San Carlos Water
RFA Bayleaf (3) anchored off Ascension Island with HMS Dumbarton Castle berthed alongside loading fresh water. On casting off HMS Dumbarton Castle hit RFA Bayleaf (3) midships port side aft
26 May 1982
RFA Tidepool RASes with the Carrier Battle Group
RFA Regent RASed with RFA Resource (2)
RFA Fort Grange entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Sir Galahad (1)’s unexploded bomb was successfully removed
RFA Sir Geraint sails from San Carlos Water
RFA Bayleaf (3) anchored off Ascension Island with HMS Dumbarton Castle berthed alongside
RFA Engadine off Ascension Island berthed alongside STUFT mv Alvega loading bunkers then sailed to the Falkland Islands
27 May 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) sailed from Ascension Island
RFA Appleleaf (3) RASed with HMS Exeter in the TEZ
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Sir Geraint sailed from San Carlos Water during the night
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 292 tons of bunkers
RFA Tidespring (1) crash boat launched to provide medical assistance to RFA Pearleaf
28 May 1982
RFA Blue Rover sustained slight damage while refuelling the STUFT mv Norland
RFA Stromness arrives at Cumberland Bay, South Georgia. Takes on troops and loads ammunition and Rapier Missiles from STUFT mv Lycaon
RFA Olmeda Vertrep with the STUFT tanker British Trent
29 May 1982
RFA Blue Rover sailed from South Georgia to rendezvous with the Task Group
RFA Sir Lancelot’s unexploded bomb was safely removed and disposed of over the side
RFA Tidepool replenishes ships in the AOA
RFA Sir Percivale escorted by HMS Minerva enteres San Carlos Water backloading stores for Teal Inlet
30 May 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Glasgow
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Exeter
RFA Sir Percivale used as temporary Argentine PoW accommodation
RFA Tidepool RASed with HMS Intrepid with Avcat and Diesel – suffered a emergency breakway. RFA Tidepool then entered San Carlos Water and refuels HMS Fearless alongside
RFA Sir Galahad (1) and RFA Sir Lancelot leave San Carlos Water, the latter still carrying a UXB
31 May 1982
RFA Blue Rover entered San Carlos Water
RFA Fort Grange attacked by an Argentinean C-130 on its way to join the Carrier Battle Group
RFA Resource (2) sailed for South Georgia to replenish
RFA Tidepool at San Carlos Water supplies fuel to the Forward Operating Bases at Port San Carlos and San Carlos Settlement
1 June 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) re-assigned to “motorway tanking duties”
RFA Blue Rover entered San Carlos Water carrying petrol [MoGas] for the Army’s vehicles and the Rapier generators
RFA Sir Galahad (1) returned to full operational service
RFA Tidepool leaves San Carlos Water
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with HMS Bristol
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Resource (2) at Husvik Harbour, South Georgia VERTREP with HMS Endurance
2 June 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) RAS’ed with the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2
RFA Blue Rover sailed from San Carlos Water
RFA Fort Austin RAS’ed with HMS Invincible
RFA Olmeda RAS’ed with ss Uganda and HMS Hydra
RFA Sir Galahad (1) and RFA Sir Bedivere at San Carlos backload stores for Teal Inlet
RFA Sir Percivale anchored at Teal Inlet
RFA Resource (2) arrived at South Georgia
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with STUFT tanker British Trent
RFA Brambleleaf (3) sailed Portland on her 2nd tour in the South Atlantic
RFA Regent RASed with HMS Exeter
3 June 1982
RFA Engadine over flown by an Argentinean Boeing 707 1000 miles north-east of the Falklands
RFA Fort Grange joined the Carrier Battle Group to relieve RFA Fort Austin
RFA Fort Austin RAS’ed with HMS Brilliant, HMS Glamorgan, RFA Resource (2), RFA Fort Grange and HMS Invincible
RFA Plumleaf (2) breaks down but after repairs commences motorway tanking operations at 25 degrees south
RFA Blue Rover alongside and refuels HMS Fearless in San Carlos Water
4 June 1982
RFA Stromness leaves San Carlos Water
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Glasgow
RFA Sir Percivale moved from Teal Inlet to San Carlos Water and anchored
RFA Olna (3) RASed with the troopship Canberra with 2,695 tons of FFO supplied to the troopship over 10½ hours and then HMS Ambuscade
RFA Resource (2) at South Gerogia with HMS Northella berthed alongside
5 June 1982
RFA Fort Austin began transferring stores to RFA Fort Grange
RFA Pearleaf (2) relieved RFA Blue Rover as Station Tanker at South Georgia
RFA Stromness – Vertrep with the Troopship Camberra – beer and stores
RFA Blue Rover RASed with HMS Exeter
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol
RFA Bayleaf (3) while taking seas over tank deck suffered damage to gratings on the catwalk
RFA Sir Geraint in San Carlos Water with RFA Blue Rover alongside supplying 405 tons of bunkers
RFA Sir Percivale alongside RFA Sir Galahad (1) at Teal Inlet
RFA Resource (2) RASed and loaded 462 tons of bunkers
6 June 1982
RFA Engadine entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Fort Austin sailed for South Georgia
RFA Engadine transfered mail to HMS Hermes
RFA Fort Grange RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Tidepool RASed with HMS Hermes
7 June 1982
RFA Engadine operated in the TRALA (Tug, Repair and Logistics Area)
RFA Brambleleaf (3) berthed at Gibraltar from Portland
RFA Tidespring (1) VERTREP with RFA Resource (2)
RFA Blue Rover RASed with the STUFT tanker British Trent and received AVCAT
8 June 1982
RFA Fort Austin arrived at South Georgia
RFA Olna (3) entered San Carlos Water
RFA Sir Percivale berthed alongside RFA Olna (3) and loaded 100 tons of bunkers
RFA Sir Galahad (1) bombed at Port Pleasant off the settlement of Fitzroy and set on fire – forty eight of her crew and soldiers were killed
RFA Sir Tristram bombed at Port Pleasant off the settlement of Fitzroy and badly damaged – two of her crew were killed
RFA Resource (2) Vertrep with the troopship Canberra
RFA Resource (2) during RAS with HMS Cardiff – No: 1 RAS rig broke injuring Chief Officer (X) John H Wallace, Petty Officer (D) Nazareno Muscat and SG1B George Ferrier when they were each hit by a Sea Dart container
RFA Resource (2) also RASed and loaded 225 tons of bunkers
9 June 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) entered the TEZ around the Falkland Islands
RFA Engadine anchored and acted as a Wessex helicopter support and refuelling base in San Carlos Water
RFA Fort Grange arrived at San Carlos anchorage along with the STUFT ferry Nordic Ferry
RFA Olna (3) refuelled HMS Exeter
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with HMS Bristol
10 June 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) arrived in the TRALA (Tug, Repair and Logistics Area)
RFA Blue Rover entered San Carlos Water
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Sir Geraint anchored in Teal Inlet
RFA Olna (3) RASed with the STUFT tanker British Trent
11 June 1982
RFA Fort Austin sailed from South Georgia for the U.K.
RFA Regent arrived in Cumberland East Bay, South Georgia
RFA Sir Percivale at San Carlos loads for Teal and then escorted by HMS Exeter sails to Teal
RFA Sir Geraint return to San Carlos from Teal also escorted by HMS Exeter
12 June 1982
RFA Blue Rover sailed from San Carlos Water
One of RFA Tidespring’s replacement Wessex helicopters was aboard HMS Glamorgan when the latter was hit by an Exocet missile and the helicopter was lost in the explosion
RFA Sir Geraint at San Carlos lack loads for Teal from STUFT mv Elk and AVCAT fuel from RFA Blue Rover
RFA Sir Percivale unloads at Teal Inlet
RFA Regent loads cargo from STUFT mv Geestport at South Georgia
RFA Stromness Vertrep with the troopship Canberra – food and beer
RFA Tidepool RASed with the troopship Canberra – 968 tons of fuel supplied
RFA Fort Grange RASed with HMS Bristol
STUFT tanker Brtish Trent received the survivors from RFA Sir Galahad (1) and RFA Sir Tristram sailing for Ascension Island the same day
13 June 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Argonaut
RFA Stromness RASed with the troopship Canberra
RFA Tidepool RASed with the troopship Canberra and supplied 970 long tons of FFO over 4 hours
RFA Blue Rover RASed with HMS Exeter
RFA Olmeda RASed with HMS Bristol
RFA Sir Geraint at Teal Inlet discharging cargo
RFA Sir Percivale alongside STUFT mv Elk and later RFA Olna (3)
14 June 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with STUFT tanker British Dart receiving 2,246 tons of fuel and RASed with the Cable Ship Iris
RFA Ensign hoisted on Twelve O’Clock Mountain overlooking Port Stanley
RFA Olna (3) alongside HMS Fearless in San Carlos Water and refuels her with Avcat and Diesel
RFA Sir Geraint at San Carlos Water alongside STUFT mv Elk
RFA Resource (2) RASed with HMS Exeter – Sea Darts and Ammunition
RFA Tidepool RASed with the STUFT ship Atlantic Causeway
15 June 1982
RFA’s Engadine, Olna (3), Sir Lancelot, Sir Bedivere, Sir Geraint, all at anchor in San Carlos Water
16 June 1982
RFA Fort Austin RAS’ed with RFA Plumleaf (2) at 22°05S 18°56W receiving 704 tons of fuel and arrived at Ascension Island 2 days after the Argentinean surrender and was one of the first ships to return home after Operation Corporate
RFA Plumleaf (2) was relieved from “motorway tanking” and sailed for Ascension Island
RFA Resource (2) RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Sir Percivale anchored in Port Stanley Harbour – the first British ship to do so after the Argentine surrender
RFA Sir Bedivere became the 2nd ship to enter Port Stanley Harbour after RFA Sir Percivale
RFA Sir Geraint at San Carlos Water alongside STUFT mv Elk
17 June 1982
RFA’s Resource (2) and Sir Bedivere, both at anchor in Port William
RFA Sir Percivale berthed alongside RFA Blue Rover and later RFA Fort Grange in San Carlos Water transferring stores
RFA Bayleaf (3) RASed with HMS Bristol and HMS Hermes
RFA Stromness Vertrep with HMS Hermes
RFA Sir Geraint anchored in Port Pleasant
18 June 1982
RFA Olmeda embarked teams from 42 Commando Royal Marines at South Georgia for Operation Keyhole – the recapture of South Thule in the South Sandwich Islands. She also RASed with RFA Regent loading a large voluyme of food and other stores
RFA Pearleaf (2) sailed from South Georgia to join the “motorway chain” of tankers
RFA’s Olna (3) and Sir Percivale, join the others at anchor in Port William
RFA Blue Rover alongside RFA Fort Grange in San Carlos Water refuelling her
RFA Tidespring (1) VERTREP with HMS Dumbarton Castle – mail and stores
RFA Sir Geraint at Port Pleasant, East Falkland
19 June 1982
RFA Olmeda took part in Operation Keyhole – the retaking of the island of South Thule having embarked 80 Royal Marines from M Company – along with the frigate HMS Yarmouth, the ice patrol vessel HMS Endurance and the rescue tug Salvageman
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with HMS Bristol
RFA Sir Percivale alongside RFA Resource (2) at Port Stanley Harbour
RFA Bayleaf (3) RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Engadine at San Carlos Water berthed alongside RFA Blue Rover to load bunkers
RFA Sir Geraint and RFA Sir Tristram at anchor in Port Pleasant
RFA Tidespring (1) pumpover from RFA Bayleaf (3)
RFA Olna (3) pumpover with STUFT Shell Tanker Eburna
20 June 1982
RFA Olmeda sailed South Thule with captured Argentine PoW’s onboard
RFA Stromness Vertrep with HMS Hermes
21 June 1982
RFA Olmeda left the Union Flag, a Royal Marines ensign and an RFA ensign flying on South Thule
RFA Resource (2) RASed with HMS Exeter in the TEZ
RFA Sir Percivale alongside STUFT mv Elk at Port Stanley Harbour
RFA Olna (3) RASed with Hospital Ship Uganda
22 June 1982
RFA Tidepool RASed with HMS Exeter in the TEZ
RFA Tidespring (1) VERTREP to HMS Broadsword
RFA Resource (2) sailed Port William. RASed and loaded 750 tons of bunkers
RFA Sir Geraint at Fitzroy Settlement
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) to Port Pleasant, Falkland Islands to prepare RFA Sir Galahad (1) for tow and then to be sunk as a war grave
23 June 1982
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Sir Percivale at Port Stanley Harbour alongside RFA Stromness and STUFT mv Elk
STUFT tanker Brtish Trent with the survivors from RFA Sir Galahad (1) and RFA Sir Tristram arrived at Ascension Island and they disembarked
RFA Resource (2) anchored at San Carlos Water
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) sailed with RFA Sir Galahad (1) in tow from Port Pleasant, Falkland Islands
24 June 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) pumpover with STUFT Shell Tanker Eburna
25 June 1982
RFA Sir Galahad (1) was sunk as a war grave off the Falkland Islands by a torpedo from HMS/m Onyx
RFA Sir Lancelot sailed from San Carlos Water to Port Stanley
RFA Resource (2) sailed San Carlos Water and RASed (A) with HMS Hermes
RFA Sir Geraint at Port William alongside STUFT mv Fort Toronto
26 June 1982
RFA Tidepool RASed with HMS Exeter in the TEZ
RFA Resource (2) RASed with HMS Hermes and then RASed and loaded 200 tons of bunkers
RFA Engadine at San Carlos Water berthed alongside RFA Olna (3) to take bunkers
RFA Sir Geraint at Port William alongside mv Fort Toronto
RFA Tidespring (1) anchored in San Carlos Water
RFA Olmeda received stores from HMS Invincible (six engines)
27 June 1982
RFA Engadine arrived at Port Stanley
RFA Stromness VERTREP with HMS Exeter in the TEZ
RFA Resource (2) anchored at Grytviken, South Georgia
RFA Sir Geraint at Port Stanley alongside STUFT mv Baltic Ferry
28 June 1982
RFA Blue Rover sailed the Falkland Islands for the UK
RFA Fort Austin arrived back in Devonport on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Olmeda sailed the Falkland Islands for the UK
RFA Resource (2) VERTREP with RFA Regent
RFA Sir Percivale in Port William Harbour alongside STUFT mv Fort Toronto and then sailed the Falkland Islands for Ascension Island
RFA Sir Geraint at Port Stanley berthed alongside STUFT mv Baltic Ferry
RFA Tidespring (1) sailed San Carlos Water
RFA Bayleaf (3) pumpover with STUFT Shell Tanker Eburna
29 June 1982
RFA Stromness sailed the Falkland Islands for the UK
RFA Appleleaf (3) RASed with the troopship Canberra supplying 2,462 long tons of FFO over 6½ hours
RFA Sir Geraint at Port Stanley berthed alongside RFA Sir Lancelot
RFA Resource (2) sailed the Grytviken, South Georgia for Ascension Island
1 July 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Rhyl, HMS Diomede and HMS Danae
RFA Brambleleaf (3) berthed at Portland from the South Atlantic
RFA Sir Geraint sailed the Falkland Islands for Ascension Island
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) towed STUFT ship British Enterprise III which was adrift 250 miles north of the Falkland Islands to Port Stanley
2 July 1982
RFA Regent Vertrep with HMS Hermes
RFA Tidepool RASed with HMS Hermes
3 July 1982
RFA Fort Grange Vertrep with HMS Bristol
4 July 1982
RFA Tidepool RASed with HMS Bristol
RFA Bayleaf (3) at Port William, Falkland Islands alongside RFA Olna (3) engaged in a pump over to RFA Olna (3)
5 July 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) sailed Port William, Falkland Islands
6 July 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Tidespring (1) crashboat launched to collect mail and stores from HMS Leeds Castle
7 July 1982
RFA Engadine sailed the Falkland Islands for the U.K. via San Carlos Water to embark 825 NAS personnel and a damaged Sea King helicopter, having performed 450 deck fuellings and achieved 1606 deck landings
RFA Tidespring (1) pump over with STUFT tanker British Tamar
8 July 1982
RFA Sir Percivale at Clarence Bay, Ascension Island alongside STUFT mv Alvega and received 286 tons of bunkers
RFA Resource (2) anchored off Ascension Island
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) arrived at Port Pleasant berthed alongside RFA Sir Tristram
9 July 1982
RFA Resource (2) at Clarence Bay, Ascension Island while going alongside STUFT mv Alvega to receive 1,045 tons of bunkers was in collision with her causing damage to the plating on her focastle when in contact with the mooring lead on the Alvega. Damage to the Resource (2) contained between frames 222 and 223. Damage to the tanker amounted to her guard rails being buckled. RFA Resource (2), having loaded bunkers sailed for Plymouth
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Fearless
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) towed RFA Sir Tristram to Port William and berthed her alongside STUFT ship Fort Toronto
10 July 1982
RFA Sir Geraint arrived at Ascension Island and loaded 190 tons of bunkers from STUFT mv Alvega
RFA Regent anchors at Port William
11 July 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) arrived at Gibraltar
RFA Fort Grange crash boat capsized throwing 6 crew into the water. All the crew were recovered
RFA Fort Grange during VERTREP with HMS Leeds Castle with Sea King HAS1 helicopter No: XV698 suffered engine failure, ditched and sank in the South Atlantic Ocean – the crew were rescued. The helicopter was not salvaged
RFA Tidespring (1) RASed with HMS Hermes
RFA Sir Geraint sailed from Ascension Island for Marchwood Military Port
RFA Sir Percivale sailed from Ascension Island
12 July 1982
RFA Olmeda arrived back at Devonport berthing on No: 1 Jetty after 96 continuous days at sea, having covered 30,000 miles, she had supplied 185 ships with 64,000 tons of FFO, diesel oil and avcat. In turn she had received 58,000 tons of fuel from 10 requisitioned merchant tankers
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol
RFA Tidespring (1) sailed from Ascension Island for Portsmouth Harbour
14 July 1982
RFA Resource (2) RASed and received 430 tons of bunkers
15 July 1982
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol
RFA Pearleaf (2) RASed with HMS Hermes
16 July 1982
RFA Sir Lancelot sailed from Port Stanley for Ascension Island
17 July 1982
RFA Blue Rover arrived back at Portsmouth on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Sir Lancelot while en route to Port Stanley suffers a switchboard fire causing a complete blackout and loss of engines. Partial repairs permit ship to reach Port William on one engine
18 July 1982
RFA Engadine arrived at Ascension Island, berthed alongside STUFT mv Alvega to receive bunkers
RFA Sir Lancelot arrived at Port Stanley after visiting various locations around the Islands and collecting British and Argentinian stores, ammunition etc. collecting, in addition 500 bales of wool from local farmers were off loaded ashore
19 July 1982
RFA Resource (2) arrived back at Plymouth Sound on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Engagdine sailed Ascension Island for Devonport
RFA Stromness arrived back at Portsmouth on completion of Operation Corporate duties
20 July 1982
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol
21 July 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Ambuscade
RMAS Typhoon (ex RFA Typhoon) crew change and Captain B M Stevens took command
22 July 1982
RFA Tidespring (1) arrived back at Portsmouth on completion of Operation Corporate duties
23 July 1982
RFA Sir Geraint arrived at Marchwood Military Port (south) on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Sir Percivale arrived at Marchwood Military Port (north) on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Stromness arrived back UK on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Brambleleaf (3) at Devonport loading cargo
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol
24 July 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Exeter, HMS Yarmouth and HMS Cardiff
25 July 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) sailed Falkland Islands for home having conducted 125 RAS and pump over evolutions
26 July 1982
RFA Sir Lancelot sailed for the UK with 50 RAF passengers after refuelling from the requisitioned mv Scottish Eagle
RFA Fort Grange at Port William with HMS Hydra and RMAS Typhoon berthed alongside
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol
RFA Tidepool at San Carlos Water with HMS Dunbarton Castle moored alongside to receive stores
RFA Resource (2) arrived at Plymouth Sound
29 July 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS RHYL
30 July 1982
RFA Engadine arrived back at Devonport on completion of Operation Corporate duties
31 July 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) RASed with HMS Minerva and HMS Active
RFA Sir Lancelot dumped 25 tons of Argentine ammunition in deep water
RFA Regent RASed (Vertrep) with HMS Bristol
RFA Fort Grange RASed (Vertrep) with HMS Bristol
2 August 1982
RFA Pearleaf (2) arrived at Gibraltar enroute to the U.K.
RFA Brambleleaf (3) sailed Devonport to Ascension Island
3 August 1982
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol – supplied 428 tons
RFA Regent at Port WIlliam with RMAS Typhoon berthed alongside
5 August 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) anchored in Berkley Sound
7 August 1982
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol – supplied 248 tons
RFA Bayleaf (3) alongside STUFT tanker Scottish Eagle
8 August 1982
RFA Regent sailed from Port William, Falkland Islands
9 August 1982
RFA Appleleaf (3) arrived at Rosyth on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Olna (3) RASed with HMS Bristol
13 August 1982
RFA Pearleaf (2) arrived back U.K. on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Tidepool was finally handed over to the Chilean Navy on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Olwen (2) RASed with HMS Bristol
14 August 1982
RFA Regent RASed with HMS Bristol – ammunition
17 August 1982
RFA Fort Grange sailed the Falkland Islands for the U.K. on completion of Operation Corporate duties
18 August 1982
RFA Sir Lancelot arrived at Portsmouth on completion of Operation Corporate duties
21 August 1982
RFA Olna (3) sailed the Falklands Islands for Portsmouth with the carrier HMS Invincible
RFA Regent anchored in Berkeley Sound, East Falkland
23 August 1982
RFA Regent anchored in San Carlos Water with RFA Fort Grange berthed alongside
24 August 1982
RFA Regent sailed from San Carlos Water for Ascension Island having loaded 238 tons of bunkers
26 August 1982
RFA Plumleaf (2) arrived back U.K. on completion of Operation Corporate duties
31 August 1982
RFA Bayleaf (3) arrived back at Devonport on completion of Operation Corporate duties
RFA Olwen (2) RASed with HMS Bristol
2 September 1982
RFA Brambleleaf (3) anchored in San Carlos Water
RFA Regent anchored off Ascension Island and loaded 849 tons of bunkers
15 September 1982
RFA Regent berthed on No: 3 buoy, River Forth on completion of Operation Corporate duties
17 September 1982
RFA Olna (3) arrived back at Portsmouth on completion of Operation Corporate duties during which she carried out 143 RAS’s
RFA Bramblelaf (3) in Berkeley Sound, Falkland Islands berthed alongside mv Scottish Eagle to load cargo
3 October 1982
RFA Fort Grange arrived back U.K. on completion of Operation Corporate duties
24 October 1982
RFA Brambleleaf (3) sailed Falkland Islands for home with the carrier HMS Illustrious and the frigate HMS Amazon
31 October 1982
RFA Sir Bedivere sailed the Falkland Islands for home
16 November 1982
RFA Sir Bedivere arrived back at Marchwood Military Port after Operation Corporate duties with the remains of sixty four Servicemen for burial at home
16 December 1982
RFA Brambleleaf (3) arrived Gibraltar on completion of Operation Corporate duties