RFA Autumnleaf

 

 

 

 

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Previous name:
Subsequent name:             Phoenix, Pacific

Official Number:                  216824                                                                      

Class:                                   One of 4 American-ordered LEAF

Pennant No:

Laid down:
Builder:                                Chester Shipbuilding Co,, Chester, Pennsylvania
Launched:                            31 May 1918
Into Service:
Out of service:
Fate:                                     1946 Broken up at Ghent, Belgium

 

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

 

31 May 1918 launched by Chester Shipbuilding Co, Chester, Pa as Yard Nr 343

September 1918 completed as PHOENIX for the USSB (Emergency Fleet Corporation)

1920 Re-engined with a T. 3 cyl 24½” 42½” & 72” – 48” by Hardie-Tynes Mfg Co, Birmingham, Ala. 359 nhp

12 August 1920 east of Port Lobos

1942 purchased by Sud Americano de Vapores S.A, Panama and renamed PACIFIC

7 August 1946 arrived Ghent for demolition.

 

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