Official Number: 165468
Class: 1st DALE CLASS Freighting Tanker
Pennant No: X 66 / A128
Laid down:
Builder: Lithgows
Launched: 31 March 1937
Into Service: 6 June 1937
Out of service: 8 October 1959 laid up at Devonport.
Fate: 17 February 1970 arrived Bilbao, Spain for breaking up
Items of historic interest involving this ship: –
Background Data: Originally there were to have been nineteen ships in this Class. The first six were purchased off the stocks from the British Tanker Co Ltd whilst building at the instigation of the then Director of Stores, Sir William Gick, who was concerned at the age of the RFA Fleet and ships that were approaching the end of their economic lives. A further two ships were purchased from Anglo Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd for evaluation purposes. At the outbreak of WW2, a further eleven ships were acquired from the MoWT war programme although one of these, to have been named EPPINGDALE, which had been registered in London as EMPIRE GOLD on 21/02/43 and intended for transfer to the Admiralty for manning and management as an RFA and despite five Officers being appointed to her, the intended transfer was cancelled the following day and she thus never entered RFA service. Three of this Class were converted into LSG’s and were then reconverted back into tankers at the end of the War
1936 ordered by the British Tanker Company Ltd, London
31 March 1937 launched by Lithgows Ltd., Port Glasgow as Yard Nr: 887 named BISHOPDALE for the Admiralty. This was reported in the Dundee Courier newspaper –
2 April 1937 the Port – Glasgow Express newspaper reported –
8 April 1937 Mr J Hamilton RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
21 May 1937 Captain Alfred L Jones RFA appointed as Master
4 June 1937 nearly completed at Lithgows Ltd., Port Glasgow
8 June 1937 completed after running trials
10 July 1937 arrived at Gibraltar from Trinidad to discharge her cargo
31 July 1937 at Abadan Hospital Junior Engineer Officer Leonard Ernest Passell discharged dead – natural causes – heat stroke
8 September 1937 sailed the Clyde for Singapore
20 November 1937 The Scotsman newspaper reported that –
24 May 1938 berthed at Gibraltar from Abadan and Port Said
9 June 1938 Mr Charles A Drummond RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
Chief Engineer Officer Charles A Drummond RFA
13 July 1938 passed Gibraltar sailing east bound
30 November 1938 passed Gibraltar sailing west bound
5 December 1938 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour from Abadan
8 December 1938 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour and passed the Lloyds Signal Station on St Catherines, Isle of Wight sailing west
19 December 1938 at Greenock
23 June 1939 at Greenock
20 September 1939 sailed Port Said in Convoy Blue 2 arriving Gibraltar 30 September 1939
5 October 1939 sailed Gibraltar in escorted Convoy HG 2 with FFO and detached for Portsmouth
14 October 1939 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour
17 October 1939 sailed Portsmouth Harbour and joined escorted Convoy OA 21 until convoy dispersed on 22 October 1939
3 November 1939 Captain George F Rutter RFA (Lieut-Commander RNR) appointed as Master
Captain George F Rutter RFA
18 November 1939 sailed Liverpool in escorted Convoy OB 37 for Bermuda
2 January 1940 at Kingston, Jamaica – the ship used by HMAS PERTH for their crew for boarding practice
HMAS PERTH
6 January 1940 Mr Charles M Martin RFA appointed as Temporary Chief Engineer Officer. Sailed from Kingston, Jamaica
10 January 1940 under the orders of HMAS PERTH patrolled in the vicinity of Cape Maysi in the Windward Passage
16 January 1940 arrived at Kingston, Jamaica
18 January 1940 sailed from Kingston Jamaica for Colon, Republic of Panama and passage through the Panama Canal on 3 February 1940
17 April 1940 arrived at Callo, Peru
18 April 1940 sailed from Callao, Peru
13 May 1940 sailed Cristobal to Balboa and passage through the Panama Canal
18 May 1940 arrived at Trinidad
21 June 1940 arrived at Bermuda
28 June 1940 sailed Bermuda for Trinidad arriving 4 July 1940
11 July sailed from St Lucia for Trinidad
22 July 1940 arrived at Bermuda
27 July 1940 sailed from Bermuda for Trinidad arriving 4 August 1940
29 August 1940 arrived at Kinston, Jamaica
25 September 1940 sailed from Kingston, Jamaica returning on 29 September 1940
18 October 1940 sailed from Kingston, Jamaica for Cristolbel arriving 21 October 1940
23 October 1940 anchored in the Bay of Panama with HMCS PRINCE ROBERT alongside
HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
30 October 1940 ordered to rendevous with HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at 36°30S 74°00W (Source Admiralty War Diary of this date)
31 October 1940 sailed Callo
11 November 1940 at Oroco Bay refuelled HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
19 November 1940 arrived at Calloa
20 November 1940 sailed Calloa
26 November 1940 arrived at Calloa
14 December 1940 sailed from Balbao
14 December 1940 sailed from Cristobal
20 December 1940 arrived at Trinidad
1 January 1941 refuelled the cruiser HMS DIOMEDE at Tortola, BVI
HMS DIOMEDE
18 February 1941 sailed from Bermuda
25 February 1941 arrived at Trinidad
1 March 1941 arrived at Curaçao
2 March 1941 sailed Curaçao
8 March 1941 arrived at Jamaica
9 March 1941 sailed Jamaica
12 May 1941 arrived at Trinidad
13 May 1941 sailed Trinidad
18 May 1941 refuelled HMS CARADOC at Tortola, BVI
5 June 1941 RASed with HMS EAGLE near the Azores being protected by HMS DUNEDIN (Force F)
HMS EAGLE
6 June 1941 RASed with HMS DUNEDIN while being protected by HMS EAGLE
HMS DUNEDIN
9 June 1941 RASed with HMS DUNEDIN again while being protected by HMS EAGLE
12 June 1941 further RAS with HMS EAGLE followed by HMS DUNEDIN. All ships being protected by HMS EAGLE’s Swordfish aircraft
23 June 1941 arrived at Bermuda, sailing the same day
14 August 1941 at 10°10N 43°43W spotted the German cargo ship and blockade runner ss Norderney – she scuttled herself to avoid capture by HMS DESPATCH and HMS PRETORIA CASTLE
SS Norderney
Thirty five crew members and two passengers were rescued – Source – Page 906 of the Admiralty War Diary of 15 August 1941
23 August 1941 arrived at Trinidad
2 September 1941 arrived at Bermuda
September 1941 on three occasions she successfully refuelled the carriers HMS EAGLE and HMS FORMIDABLE using the trough method while lying stopped and at right angles to them
10 October 1941 sailed Bermuda
18 October 1941 arrived Trinidad
19 October 1941 sailed Trinidad
28 October 1941 arrived Jamaica
29 October 1941 sailed Jamaica
8 November 1941 sailed Bermuda for Kingston, Jamaica to adjust crew – source Admiralty War Diary of 6 November 1941
15 November 1941 sailed Kingston, Jamaica to Curacao arriving on 18 November 1941
19 November 1941 sailed Curaçao to Bermuda arriving 25 November 1941
1 December 1941 sailed Bermuda to Trinidad arriving 6 December 1941
1 January 1942 reported in the Admiralty War Diary of this day as being at Jamaica with RFA ORANGELEAF (1)
2 January 1942 in the London Gazette of this day on page 137 Captain George Frederick Rutter RFA (Commander RNR) was awarded a ‘Mention in Dispatches’
19 January 1942 one of her officers, taking passage on the Canadian steamer LADY HAWKINS was killed when the latter was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by U-66 about 150 miles from Cape Hatteras in North Carolina – see Roll of Honour
19 January 1942 arrived at Colon sailing the same day
20 January 1942 arrived Balboa
21 January 1942 sailed Balboa
4 February 1942 Admiralty signal directed that Bishopdale to sail from Henderson Island to 08°55S 140°00W – Comptroller Bay, Nukuhiva to refuel HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH. During passage as directed she was to have a USN destroyer to provide A/S protection – source Admiralty War Diary of this day
6 February 1942 refuelled HMS WARSPITE at Henderson Island in the Pitcairn Island Group, South Pacific after the battleship’s lengthy repair period in the USA
HMS WARSPITE
15 February 1942 having sailed from Henderson island was at 08°55S 140°00W – Comptroller Bay, Nukuhiva to RAS with HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH. After refuel sailed to Sydney, NSW to discharge
6 April 1942 arrived Sydney, NSW and was made available to the RAN and operated in Australian waters for a while
8 April 1942 sailed Sydney, NSW for Noumea, New Caledonia escorted by HMAS WINCANNIA. Just missed being struck by a torpedo
11 April 1942 arrived at Noumea, New Caledonia
13 April 1942 at Great Road anchorage, Noumea, New Caledonia refuelled HMAS GEELONG which slipped the following day
17 April 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia USS Chicago (CA29) moored alongside to be refuelled received 50,552 gallons of FFO. The US Cruiser remained alongside over night
21 April 1942 at Great Road anchorage, Noumea, New Caledonia refuelled HMAS GEELONG alongside
30 April 1942 at Great Road anchorage, Noumea, New Caledonia refuelled HMAS GEELONG alongside
9 May 1942 at Great Road anchorage, Noumea, New Caledonia refuelled HMAS GEELONG alongside
15 May 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia moored alongside USS Tippecanoe (AO21) to remove her cargo
USS Tippecanoe (AO21)
16 May 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia USS Platte refuelled alongside receiving 11,435 barrels of FFO. HMAS GEELONG also refuelled alongside
19 May 1942 USS Salt Lake City (CA25) alongside in Great Road Harbour, Noumea, New Caledonia being refuelled also USS Flusser (DD368) alongside being refuelled
20 May 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia USS Farragut (DD348) moored alongside to be refuelled
22 May 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia with USS Cummings (DD365) alongside being refuelled
24 May 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia with USS Selfridge (DD357) – Flagship of Destroyer Squadron 4 USN alongside to refuel
17 June 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia USS Wharton (AP-7) refuelled alongside
28 June 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia HMAS CANBERRA and HMAS HOBART both refuelled alongside
HMAS Canberra
29 June 1942 at Great Roads, New Caledonia berthed alongside USS Salt Lake City (CA25) and refuelled her
1 July 1942 Captain Murray W Westlake RFA (Commander RNR) appointed as Master
Captain Murray W Westlake DSC RD RFA
6 July 1942 arrived at Brisbane
9 July 1942 at ACF pier, Brisbane with HMAS WHYALLA and USS Selfridge (DD357) alongside being refuelled
17 July 1942 sailed Brisbane
21 July 1942 arrived at Noumea, New Caledonia. USS Colhoun (DD801) berthed alongside being refuelled
28 July 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia with USS Hovey (DMS11) alongside being refuelled
1 August 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia USS Cimarron (AO22) alongside for pump over and refuelled USS Worden (DD352) also alongside
2 August 1942 at Noumea, New Caledonia HMAS STUART alongside to be refuelled
5 August 1942 while sailing for Brisbane from Noumea struck a mine in an Allied mine field which had been laid by HMAS BUNGAREE, there was no fire or casualties. The 33 minefields round this harbour amounted to 2,061 mines. Later to sailed to Sydney, Australia for docking and repair which lasted until the following February. A report on this matter was found in the War Diary of COMSOPAC page 10 –
20 August 1942 Mr Alexander B McIntyre RD RFA (Lieutenant Commander (E) RNR (Retd) appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
Chief Engineer Officer Alexander B McIntyre RD RFA
October 1942 struck a mine in the Bulgari Passage, New Hebrides and was damaged. Damage photograhed at Sydney, NSW
3 February 1943 sailed Sydney NSW in Convoy GP 33 arriving at Brisbane, Queensland 6 February 1943. This convoy of nine ships was escorted by HMAS’s GOULBURN, KAPUNDA and BOWEN
9 February 1943 sailed Cairns escorted by HMAS VENDETTA
12 February 1943 off Goods Island, in Prince of Wales Channel HMAS CASTLEMAINE alongside to refuel
13 February 1943 sailed from Thursday Island to Darwin escorted by HMAS’s VENDETTA and CASTLEMAINE
16 February 1943 berthed at Darwin
17 February 1943 at Darwin HMAS CASTLEMAINE alongside to refuel
20 February 1943 sailed Darwin to Thursday Island arriving 23 February 1943 escorted by HMAS’s VENDETTA and CASTLEMAINE
22 February 1943 sailed Thursday Island to Townsville arriving 25 February 1943
25 February 1943 sailed Townsville, Queensland in Convoy TS17 arriving Brisbane, Queensland 28 February 1943 escorted by HMAS GEELONG and later by HMAS STUART
9 March 1943 sailed Sydney NSW in Convoy GP 38 arrived Brisbane, Queensland 13 March 1943
24 March 1943 arrived Port Moresby (source Admiralty War Diary)
25 March 1943 sailed Port Moresby escorted by HMAS ARUNTA to Townsville arriving 27 March 1943
29 March 1943 & 30 March 1943 while off Port Clinton met and escorted by HMAS GEELONG to Moreton Bay arriving the next day
13 April 1943 sailed Brisbane, Queensland in Convoy BT51 arrived Townsville, Queensland 17 April 1943
26 April 1943 sailed Challenger Bay with TF 74 to Family Islands with HMAS Australia to RAS using buoyant hose method. when completed to Combe Island anchorage wher HMAS HOBART came alongside to refuel
27 April 1943 anchored off Dunk Island, Australia with HMAS HOBART and five US destroyers
28 April 1943 sailed to Challenger Bay, Palm Island, Australia arriving the next day
29 April 1943 as part of Task Force 74 took part in exercise ‘XP’ with HMAS Hobart, HMAS AUSTRALIA and the US Destroyers USS Selfridge (DD357), USS Ralph Talbot (DD390), USS Mugford (DD389), and USS Helm (DD388)
30 April 1943 at Challenger Bay, Palm Island, Australia refuelled alongside HMAS AUSTRALIA, HMAS HOBART, USS Selfridge (DD357), USS Ralph Talbot (DD390), USS Mugford (DD389), and USS Helm (DD388). HMAS HOBART received 270 tons of FFO
6 May 1943 refuelled HMAS HOBART alongside with 166 tons of FFO
7 May 1943 arrived and sailed from Townsville to Cid Harbour
8 May 1943 at Cid Harbour exercising refuelling HMAS HOBART with the buoyant hose method
9 May 1943 at Cid Harbour with HMAS HOBART and USS Helm (DD388)
14 May 1943 at Cid Harbour USS Perkins (DD877) alongside to be refuelled later whilst simulating being a Japanese aircraft carrier so that the RAAF could practice night bombing on her using bags of flour in company with the American destroyer USS MUGFORD (DD389), the latter had to dash off to rescue survivors from the hospital ship CENTAUR which had been torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-177 and sank within 2 or 3 minutes with heavy loss of life. The survivors were landed at Brisbane, Queensland the following day
15 May 1943 at CID Harbour with HMAS HOBART alongside – refuelled her with 168 tons of FFO
17 May 1943 sailed Cid Harbour for Townsville
21 May 1943 at Cleveland Bay with HMAS KAPUNDA alongside to refuel
2 June 1943 at Cleveland Bay with HMAS BOWEN alongside to refuel
11 June 1943 in convoy VB38 escorted by HMAS GOULBURN with two other ships
13 June 1943 arrived Thursday Island (source Admiralty War Diary)
22 June 1943 at Cleveland Bay sailed with USS Conyngham (DDG 17) as escort to Fall River
23 June 1943 still being escorted by USS Conyngham (DDG 17) cleared the Great Barrier Reef through the Grafton Passage
25 June 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with USS Perkins (DD877) alongside to refuel
6 July 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with USS Perkins (DD877) alongside to refuel
8 July 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS BUNBURY and HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to refuel
10 July 1943 anchored off Gili Gili with USS LST’s 452, 454 and 456 alongside being refuelled
12 July 1943 anchored off Gili Gili with USS Conyngham (DD371) and USS Flusser (DD368) alongside to refuel
13 July 1943 anchored off Gili Gili with USS Mugford (DD389) alongside being refuelled – she received 49,138 gallons of FFO and HMAS DELORAINE also alongside to be refuelled
15 July 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS PIRIE alongside to refuel – she slipped the next day
HMAS PIRIE
17 July 1943 off Gili Gili with HMAS’s KATOOMBA and PIRIE alongside to refuel
19 July 1943 anchored off Gili Gili with USS Hilo (AGP2) – a motor torpedo boat tender and HMAS’s PIRIE and BUNBURY alongside being refuelled
21 July 1943 sailed Townsville (Source Admiralty War Diary)
25 July 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS WARRAMUNGA alongside being refuelled
26 July 1943 at Jock McMillan Bay, Milne Bay, New Guinea with USS Rigel (AR11) alongside to refuel – issued 193,074 gallons. USS Smith and HMAS DELORAINE also alongside to refuel
27 July 1943 at Humboldt Bay with HMAS’s DELORAINE, GLENELG, WAGGA and PIRIE alongside to refuel
29 July 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with USS Perkins (DD877) alongside to refuel also HMAS WARRAMUNGA alongside being refuelled
30 July 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS GYMPIE alongside to refuel
31 July 1943 anchored off Gili Gili anchorage with USS Conyngham (DD371) alongside to be refuelled
1 August 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS PIRIE alongside to refuel
2 August 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS WARRAMUNGA alongside being refuelled
4 August 1943 anchored off Gili Gili anchorage with USS Conyngham (DD371) alongside to be refuelled and also with HMAS WARRAMUNGA alongside being refuelled
6 August 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS BUNBURY alongside to refuel
7 August 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS WARRAMUNGA alongside being refuelled
10 August 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS DELORAINE and HMAS WAGGA alongside to refuel
11 August 1943 and 12 August 1943 anchored off Gili Gili anchorage with USS LST466 alongside being refuelled – 75,000 gallons transfered
13 August 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS DELORAINE and HMAS BOWEN alongside to refuel
15 August 1943 sailed Milne Bay, New Guinea to Townsville
27 August 1943 aerial image of RFA BISHOPDALE by the RAAF showing her deck layout including her defensive armament – 12 pounder gun forward, 4 inch AA aft, single oerlikon AA guns are mounted port and starboard forward of the Amidships and after superstructure
10 September 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS WARRAMUNGA alongside being refuelled
11 September 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS COLAC alongside to refuel
15 September 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea – USS Sonoma (AT12) port side berthed alongside Bishopdale’s starboard side to be refuelled
16 September 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS GYMPIE alongside to refuel
17 September 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS DELORAINE alongside to refuel
23 September 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS COLAC and HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to refuel
27 September 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS’s GYMPIE and BOWEN alongside to refuel
30 September 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS PIRIE alongside to refuel
3 October 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS COLAC alongside to refuel
4 October 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to refuel
8 October 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS PIRIE and HMAS WAGGA alongside to refuel
10 October 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS SWAN and HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to refuel
14 October 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS WAGGA alongside being refuelled
15 October 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea – USS Bagley (DD386) and USS Brooks (APD10) both berthed alongside to be refuelled. Later USS Sands berthed alongside with HMAS PIRIE berthed outboard both being refuelled
16 October 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea – USS Helm (DD388) berthed alongside to be refuelled. USS Dobbin (AD-3) berthed alongside being refuelled and HMAS WARRAMUNGA alongside being refuelled
USS Dobbin (AD-3)
18 October 1943 was involved in a minor collision with USS Solon Turman. There was no damage to BISHOPDALE and the damage to the US ship was confined to a small life raft being carried away from her starboard quarter. HMAS BOWEN berthed alongside to refuel. HMAS KATOOMBA also came alongside, outboard of HMAS BOWEN, also to refuel
25 October 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS BUNBURY alongside to refuel and also with HMAS WAGGA alongside being refuelled
28 October 1943 arrived off Cairns and anchored
29 October 1943 sailed Cairns for Townsville, Queensland
11 November 1943 sailed Townsville, Queensland in Convoy TN 177. At Cleveland Bay was involved in a collision with the USS Bunker Hill causing damage to Bishopsdale’s port quarter Oerlikon gun nest supports. The ships seaworthiness was not impaired. The Bunker Hill suffered a scratch to her paint work
12 November 1943 off Fitzroy Island with 13 other Merchant ships in Convoy TN177 being escorted by HMAS ARARAT amd HMAS STAWELL
15 November 1943 convoy TN 177 arrived Port Moresby, on the south east shore of Papua New Guinea
17 November 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS AUSTRALIA alongside being refuelled
18 November 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to refuel
26 November 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea – USS Shaw (DD373) came alongside to be refuelled – she received 76,500 gallons of fuel oil
30 November 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS GYMPIE alongside to refuel
6 December 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with HMAS COLAC alongside to refuel
7 December 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with USS Phoenix (CL46) alongside being refuelled
10 December 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS CASTLEMAINE alongside being refuelled
12 December 1943 at Milne Bay, New Guinea with USS Kilty (APD15) and USS Crosby (APD17) came alongside to refuel
14 December 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS’s BROOME and STAWELL alongside to refuel
16 December 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS CASTLEMAINE alongside being refuelled
20 December 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with USS Rigel (AR11) alongside to refuel
24 December 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STAWELL alongside to refuel
25 December 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS BROOME alongside to refuel
26 Decmeber 1943 at Doraisan Shoal US tanker Pueblo aground. With assistance from HMAS BROOME secured to the stern of the Pueblo and received a pipe line to commence receiving a pump over of fuel from the US tanker to lighten her before she could be towed off the shoal.
28 December 1943 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS’s BARRAT, BOWEN, PIRIE, STAWELL and WARREGO berthed alongside to refuel
2 January 1944 at Buna with HMAS WARRAMUNGA alongside being refuelled
January 1944 refuelled HMAS SHROPSHIRE
7 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS BROOME alongside being refuelled
11 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STAWELL alongside to be refuelled
13 January 1944 at Gili Gili anchorage, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea USS Brooks (APD-10) alongside being refuelled – received 35,619 gallons of FFO
14 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS CASTLEMAINE alongside being refuelled
17 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS’s BUNDABERG, PIRIE and KALGOORIE alongside being refuelled
18 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS’s BOWEN and MILDURA alongside being refuelled
19 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STUART alongside being refuelled
24 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STUART alongside being refuelled
25 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS BUNDABERG alongside being refuelled
27 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with USS Phoenix (CL46) and USS Boise (CL47) alongside to be refuelled
28 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STAWELL alongside to be refuelled
29 January 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STAWELL alongside to be refuelled
31 January 1944 at Gili Gili anchorage, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea USS Brooks (APD-10) alongside being refuelled
3 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STUART alongside being refuelled
4 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS’s BALLARAT, BROOME & MILDURA alongside being refuelled
7 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS KALGOORIE alongside being refuelled
8 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea loaded from US oiler W S Farish which had loaded at Curacao on 6 December 1943
10 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STAWELL alongside to be refuelled
14 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS KALGOORIE alongside being refuelled
15 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS’s STUART, BROOME and VENDETTA alongside to refuel
18 February 1944 at at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS MILDURA alongside to refuel
19 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS VENDETTA alongside to refuel
22 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to refuel outboard of HMAS CASTLEMAIN also HMAS STAWELL alongside to be refuelled
24 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS’s STUART and VENDETTA alongside to refuel
25 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STUART alongside to refuel
26 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS VENDETTA alongside to refuel
27 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS STUART alongside to refuel
28 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS BUNDABERG alongside to refuel
29 February 1944 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea with HMAS PIRIE alongside to refuel
6 March 1944 sailed Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea in Convoy MV 71 escorted by HMAS BUNDABERG which arrived Sydney NSW on 13 March 1944
30 April 1944 at Humbolt Bay, Dutch New Guinea alongside USS Melvin to refuel her
8 May 1944 Mr David C Leathley RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
Chief Engineer Officer David C Leathley RFA
31 May 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS GYMPIE alongside to refuel
6 June 1944 at Humbolt Bay, Dutch New Guinea alongside USS Neuendorf (De200) to refuel her – supplied 35,154 gallons of FFO
7 June 1944 at Humbolt Bay, Dutch New Guinea alongside USS Nashville (CL43) to refuel her – received 128,614 gallons of FFO and HMAS WARRAMUNGA also alongside being refused
13 June 1944 at Hollanida, New Guinea received a pump over from the mv Esso Pittsburgh of 105,469 gallons
mv Esso Pittsburgh
14 June 1944 at Humbolt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Morris (DD417) and USS Hughes (DD410) came alongside to be refuelled
15 June 1944 at Hollanida, Dutch New Guinea USS Fletcher (DD445) alongside to be refuelled
17 June 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Crosby (APD17) and HMAS LITHGOW alongside to be refuelled
20 June 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Fletcher (DD445) alongside to be refuelled. Also USS Thomason (DE203) alongside being refuelled – 71,400 gallons of FFO supplied
22 June 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS GLADSTONE and HMAS KIAMA alongside to be refuelled
24 June 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Fletcher (DD445) alongside to be refuelled
27 June 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Swanson (DD443) alongside to be refuelled
29 June 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS STAWELL alongside to be refuelled
9 July 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Hughes (DD410) alongside to be refuelled
11 July 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS STAWELL alongside to be refuelled
13 July 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS GYMPIE alongside to refuel
15 July 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS KAPUNDA alongside to refuel
23 July 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS GEELONG alongside to refuel
27 July 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS’s GLENELG and LITHGOW alongside to refuel and collect naval stores
2 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Radford (DD446) alongside to be refuelled and HMAS’s ROCKHAMPTON and DELORAINE berthed alongside
3 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Susquehanna (AOG5) alongside to receive 45 drums of lube oil from the Bishopsdale
5 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea HMAS GOULBURN alongside being refuelled
6 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS GLENELG and then HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to refuel
7 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Radford (DD446) and USS Fletcher (DD445) alongside to top up previous refuelling. HMAS VENDETTA also alongside to refuel
8 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea HMAS ROCKHAMPTON and DELORAINE berthed alongside to refuel
9 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Eugene (DD711) alongside to be refuelled
10 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Anderson (DD786) and HMAS’s BUNDABERG and GLADSTONE alongside to be refuelled
12 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS KIAMA alongside to be refuelled
13 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Russell (DD414) alongside to be refuelled
14 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea HMAS KATOOMBA berthed alongside to refuel
15 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS KIAMA alongside to be refuelled
16 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS GLADSTONE alongside to be refuelled
17 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS KAPUNDA alongside to refuel
19 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea HMAS KATOOMBA berthed alongside to refuel
22 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS GLADSTONE and HMAS KIAMA alongside to be refuelled
24 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS COLAC alongside to be refuelled
28 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Fletcher (DD445) alongside to be refuelled
29 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS’s GYMPIE and COLAC alongside to refuel
30 August 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea refuelling HMAS ROCKHAMPTON and with USS Herbert alongside with USS Crosby (APD 17) moored outside of her
3 September 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Susquehanna (AOG5) alongside supply 64 drums of lube oil to the US oiler
4 September 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS GLADSTONE and HMAS KAPUNDA both alongside to be refuelled
6 September 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with USS Nicholas (DD449) alongside to be refuelled
10 September 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Thomason (DE203) alongside being refuelled – 54,560 gallons of FFO supplied. HMAS COWRA also alongside to refuel
15 September 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea with HMAS KAPUNDA alongside to refuel
16 September 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea HMAS GOULBURN alongside being refuelled
October 1944 was part of Task Group 77.7, the Leyte Gulf Service Force of the U.S. 7th Fleet for the invasion of Leyte Gulf along with the provision ship MERKUR and the ammunition ships POYANG and YUNNAN
6 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay with HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to be refuelled
7 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay with HMAS COWRA alongside to be refuelled
10 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea HMAS HAWKESBURY alongside being refuelled
HMAS HAWKESBURY
12 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea HMAS GOULBURN alongside being refuelled
15 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Brooks (APD10) alongside being refuelled – 55,549 gallons of FFO supplied
16 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Belfast (PF 35) alongside being refuelled – 149,557 gallons of FFO supplied
17 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Long Beach (PF 34) alongside being refuelled to capacity
19 October 1944 still anchored at at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea
24 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Belfast (PF 35) alongside being refuelled – 75,000 gallons of FFO
25 October 1944 and 26 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Leedstown (APA56) alongside being refuelled – 150,491 gallons of fuel oil supplied
27 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Overton alongside to refuel
28 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Sheridan (APA51) alongside to refuel
29 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Aquarius (AKA16) alongside to refuel – 216,088 gallons of FFO received. USS Hamilton (DMS18) also came alongside to be refuelled
30 October 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Monssen (DD798) alongside to refuel
1 November 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Mercury (AK42) alongside to refuel – received 6,126 barrels of FFO
2 November 1944 at Hollandia Bay, Dutch New Guniea USS Auriga being refuelled receiving 1,627 barrels
4 November 1944 at Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Thomason (DE203) alongside being refuelled – 44,550 gallons of FFO supplied
7 November 1944 at Hollandia Bay, Dutch New Guinea USS Monssen (DD798) alongside to refuel
8 November 1944 refuelled HMAS STANWELL alongside at Hollandia, Humbolt Bay, Dutch New Guniea
HMAS Stawell coming alongside RFA Bishopdale
9 November 1944 at Hollandia, New Guinea with HMAS COLAC alongside to refuel
13 November 1944 at Hollandia, New Guinea received a pump over from the ss Esso Roanoke receiving roughly half of her 4.176 million gallons of FFO
27 November 1944 at San Pedro Bay, Philippines USS Fletcher (DD445) alongside to be refuelled
2 December 1944 at San Pedro Bay, Philippines USS Conway (DD507) alongside to be refuelled
3 December 1944 at San Pedro Bay, Philippines USS Fletcher (DD445), USS La Vallette (DD448) and USS Nicholas (DD449) alongside to be refuelled
4 December 1944 at 8.5 miles from Capines Point, Leyte Gulf USS Bryant (DD665), USS Boise (CL47), USS Bush (DD529) and USS Newcomb (DD586) all refueled from RFA Bishopdale – USS Bush receiving 74,613 gallons of fuel oil
5 December 1944 at San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf USS Allen M Sumner (DD692) and USS Nashville (CL43) alongside to be refuelled – USS Nashville received 160,574 gallons of fuel oil
6 December 1944 at San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf USS Bush (DD529) alongside to be refuelled receiving 16,319 gallons of fuel oil. USS Howorth (DD592) also alsongside to be refuelled – she received 59,358 gallons of fuel oil
7 December 1944 at San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf USS Newcomb (DD586) and USS Fletcher (DD445) alongside to be refuelled – she received 45,471 gallons of FFO
8 December 1944 at San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf USS Conyngham (DD371) alongside to be refuelled
13 December 1944 at San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf USS Louisville (CA28) alongside to be refuelled -5500 barrells of fuel oil supplied
Courtesy and © of The War Graves Photographic Project
3rd Officer John Waine RFA amongst the wreckage of the Japanese VAL bomber
30 December 1944 sailed the Naval base at Hollandia
January 1945 involved supporting Allied Forces in the Liberation of the Philippines as part of Task Group 77.10
17 April 1945 Captain Harry M Sinclair RFA appointed as Master and assumed command
11 May 1945 sailed the Naval Base, Manus in the Admiralty Islands
16 May 1945 sailed Biak, the largest of the Schouten Islands off the northern coast of West Papua, in escorted Convoy BG 539 arrived Morotai, a small island in the Moluccas Group about 300 miles NW of Sansapor, New Guinea on 19 May 1945
21 May 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS KAPUNDA alongside to refuel
22 May 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS’s COWRA and COOTAMUNDRA both alongside to refuel
26 May 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS’s COOTAMUNDRA, STAWELL and KAPUNDA alongside to refuel
29 May 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Carter Hall (LSD3) alongside to be refuelled also HMAS TOWNSVILLE alongside to refuel
USS Carter Hall (LSD3)
31 May 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS COWRA alongside to refuel
1 June 1945 in harbour at Biak-Woendi – a US Navy harbour with the code name of ‘Stinker’
2 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS GLENELG alongside to refuel
3 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS COWRA alongside to refuel
5 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS MILDURA alongside to refuel
7 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS’s COOTAMUNDRA and STAWELL alongside to refuel
9 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS COWRA alongside to refuel
12 June 1945 at Biak with HMAS BUNBURY alongside to refuel
HMAS BUNBURY
17 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS KAPUNDA alongside to refuel
18 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS COOTAMUNDRA and HMAS GLENELG alongside to refuel
20 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Douglas A Munro (DE422) and HMAS BARCOO alongside to be refuelled
22 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Liddle (APD60) and USS Kephart (APD61) alongside to be refuelled. USS Kephart received 54,500 gallons of fuel oil
25 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Alex Diachenko (APD123) and HMAS GLENELG alongside to be refuelled. The same day the Newcastle Sun newspaper (an Australian newspaper) reported –
27 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Meade (DD274) and HMAS BUNDABERG alongside to be refuelled
28 June 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Gold Star (AG12) moored starboard side to receive pump over – 292,608 gallons of fuel oil transfered – then USS Frazier (DD607) moored alongside to be refuelled followed by HMAS ARARAT alongside to be refuelled
3 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS STUART moored alongside to refuel
4 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS GLENELG moored alongside to refuel
7 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BARCOO moored alongside to refuel
8 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Flusser (DD368) alongside to be refuelled
9 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS’s ARARAT, COWRA, STUART and BOWEN alongside to be refuelled
10 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Frazier (DD607) and USS Bailey (DD492) alongside to be refuelled
15 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS’s ARARAT and MILDURA alongside to be refuelled
19 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BUNDABERG alongside to be refuelled
20 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS’s GLENELG and BARCOO alongside to refuel
21 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with USS Gold Star (AG12) moored starboard side to receive pump over – 138,225 gallons of fuel oil transfered
USS Gold Star (AG12)
21 July 1945 to 23 July 1945 at Culebra Island the tanker USS Banshee II (IX178) pumped over her cargo
25 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island and HMAS BARCOO and USS Conway (DD507) alongside to refuel
28 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island USS Charrette (DD581) and USS Conner (DD582) alongside to refuel
29 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island USS Charrette (DD581) andUSS Conner (DD582) alongside for more fuel
30 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS JUNEE alongside to be refuelled
31 July 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island USS Charrette (DD581) and USS Conner (DD582) alongside to top up their fuel
4 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island HMAS’s GLENELG and STAWELL alongside to be refuelled
5 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS COOTAMUNDRA alongside to refuel – the warship slipped on 6 August 1945
8 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BOWEN alongside to refuel
9 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BOWEN and HMAS KATOOMBA alongside to refuel
10 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island USS Conner (DD582) alongside to refuel. Supplied 1544 barrels of fuel oil
13 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island HMAS BUNDABERG and USS Charrette (DD581) alongside to refuel
14 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BURDEKIN alongside to refuel
15 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BARCOO alongside to refuel
17 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS STUART and HMAS KAPUNDA both alongside to refuel
18 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS’s BUNDABERG, BURDEKIN and BOWEN alongside to refuel
19 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS CASTLEMAINE alongside to refuel
20 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BUNDABERG alongside to refuel
23 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BUNDABERG alongside to refuel
24 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BARCOO alongside to refuel
25 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BUNDABERG alongside to refuel
27 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BURDEKIN alongside to refuel
28 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island USS ATR-87 and HMAS BUNDABERG alongside to refuel
30 August 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS COOTAMUNDRA alongside to refuel
August 1945 was attached to the British Pacific Fleet
4 September 1945 at Morotai Island with HMAS BOWEN alongside to refuel
6 September 1945 at Morotai Island with HMAS GOULBURN and HMAS BARCOO alongside to refuel
HMAS GOULBURN
7 September 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BENDIGO alongside to refuel
HMAS BENDIGO
11 September 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS BOWEN alongside to refuel
12 September 1945 at Morotai Anchorage, Morotai Island with HMAS’s and GLENELG and BOWEN alongside to refuel, to take on water and stores
19 October 1945 sailed Subic Bay
12 November 1945 at Hong Kong with HMAS BURNIE and HMAS MARYBOROUGH alongside to refuel
HMAS BURNIE
15 November 1945 at Hong Kong with HMAS BALLARAT alongside to refuel
6 December 1945 arrived Hong Kong
14 December 1945 in the London Gazette of this day on page 6157 Captain Murray William Westlake RD RFA (Commander RNR) was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, 1st Pumpman Sk Allen St Hassan and 2nd Pumpman Omar Abdoola were both awarded a Mention in Despatches
27 December 1945 sailed Colombo to Abadan
10 January 1946 sailed Abadan passing Aden 18 January 1946 arrived the River Clyde 10 February 1946
22 February 1946 in refit in Elderslie Dry Dock, Glasgow
8 March 1946 Mr Alexander Ballantyne OBE RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
9 March 1946 Captain H M Sinclair RFA appointed as Master
17 April 1946 sailed Glasgow passed Gibraltar 22 April 1946 and arrived at Malta on 27 April 1946
5 May 1946 sailed Malta arrived Port Said 9 May 1946 and then sailed to Aden
15 May 1946 sailed Aden to Abadan
24 May 1946 sailed Abadan to Colombo arriving 3 June 1946
7 June 1946 sailed Colombo
14 June 1946 while on passage from Columbo, Ceylon to Hong Kong ran aground in the Johore Strait off Shah Alam
16 June 1946 sailed Singapore to Hong Kong
29 June 1946 sailed Hong Kong to Singapore
8 July 1946 sailed Singapore to Hong Kong
19 July 1946 sailed Hong Kong returning there on 22 July 1946
29 September 1946 sailed Hong Kong and returned there
2 October 1946 sailed Hong Kong
11 October 1946 arrived at Singapore under tow with engine trouble
1 November 1946 sailed Singapore for Hong Kong arriving 10 November 1946
20 December 1946 sailed Hong Kong to Abadan arriving 16 January 1947
18 January 1947 sailed Abadan to the UK
27 February 1947 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour
18 March 1947 Captain Robert D Almond RFA (Lieutenant Commander RNR) appointed as Master He remained in command until 10 April 1948
Captain Robert D Almond RFA
4 April 1947 the Annapolis Capitol newspaper reported –
22 April 1947 Mr William H Macfarlane RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
15 July 1947 reported by radio she as 80 miles south of Portishead when bound for Devonport
8 August 1947 Mr C J Abel RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
13 September 1947 passed the Lloyds Signal station on the Lizard sailing east bound
31 Janaury 1948 arrived at Barbados
1 February 1948 sailed Barbados for LEFO
6 April 1948 Captain Stanley C Kernick RFA appointed as Master
4 May 1948 passed the Lloyds Signal Station on the Lizard sailing east
6 May 1948 passed the Lloyds Signal Station on the Lizard sailing west
10 May 1948 passed Gibraltar while on passage to Abadan
30 May 1948 arrived at Abadan from Falmouth
10 July 1948 at the Isolation Hospital, Abadan Engineroom Storekeeper Ko Pang discharged dead – pulmonary tuberculosis
17 September 1948 arrived at Chowder Bay, NSW from Singapore
24 September 1948 sailed Chowder Bay, NSW for Abadan
12 March 1949 arrived River Tyne from Rosyth and berthed at TIC Hebburn Quay
14 March 1949 Mr J S Aitken RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
19 March 1949 berthed at TIC Hebburn Quay, River Tyne
24 March 1949 Captain William B Browne OBE RFA appointed as Master
30 March 1949 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne in refit together with RFA DEWDALE (1)
31 March 1949 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne in refit together with RFA DEWDALE (1)
13 April 1949 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne
29 April 1949 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne
2 May 1949 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne
3 May 1949 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne
7 May 1949 sailed the Tyne for Trinidad
4 June 1949 in W/T contact with the Cable & Wireless Radio Station on Bermuda
6 June 1949 in W/T contact with the Cable & Wireless Radio Station on Bermuda again
23 June 1949 passed the Lloyds Signal Station on the Lizard sailing east
24 June 1949 Mr A J Daniel RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
11 July 1949 arrived Port Said when on passage from Falmouth to Abadan
19 August 1949 sailed Port Said for LEFO
5 September 1949 sailed Hull for Abadan
29 November 1949 arrived Melbourne, Victoria to discharge from Abadan
9 December 1949 sailed from Melbourne, Victoria for Abadan
14 February 1950 passed Dover sailing west bound
21 April 1950 passed Dover sailing east bound
29 April 1950 Mr David L S Hood DSC RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
5 May 1950 Captain Bertram Tunnard RFA appointed as Master
16 May 1950 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne in refit
25 May 1950 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne in refit
26 May 1950 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne in refit at the time as RFA ENNERDALE (1)
10 June 1950 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne in refit
19 June 1950 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne in refit
22 June 1950 berthed at Palmers Yard, Hebburn on Tyne in refit
5 July 1950 sailed the Tyne for Abadan
2 November 1950 passed Gibraltar sailing west bound
7 November 1950 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour
16 November 1950 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour
4 December 1950 sailed Trinidad for LEFO
21 December 1950 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour, Captain Franklin G Edwards RFA appointed as Master
27 December 1950 sailed from Portsmouth Harbour
3 August 1951 passed the Lloyds Signal Station on Flamborough Head north bound
15 September 1951 Mr Harold Ringshaw RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
Chief Engineer Officer Harold Ringshaw RFA
26 March 1952 passed Gibraltar sailing west bound
12 February 1953 Captain George S Perry RFA appointed as Master
Captain George S Perry RFA
10 April 1953 sailed Suez when on passage from Pembroke Dock to Mena al Ahmadi
10 August 1953 arrived Sydney, NSW to discharge from Ras Tamura
16 August 1953 sailed Sydney, NSW to Ras Tamura
1 September 1953 at 05°51S 106°01E at sea Quartermaster Sek-Kam Sing discharged dead – natural causes – heart failure – buried at sea
13 February 1954 passed Gibraltar
7 March 1954 Mr George Bray RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
Chief Engineer Officer George Bray RFA (image taken 1918)
19 March 1954 arrived at the River Tyne from Killingholme
20 March 1954 discharged officers at North Shields Shipping Office
26 March 1954 Captain B Smith RFA appointed as Master
6 April 1954 at Smith’s Dock, River Tyne
20 April 1954 at Smith’s Dock, River Tyne with RFA’s WAVE BARON
22 April 1954 at Smith’s Dock, River Tyne with RFA’s WAVE BARON
6 May 1954 at Smith’s Dock, River Tyne with RFA’s WAVE BARON and WAVE VICTOR
8 May 1954 engaged officers at North Shields Shipping Office
11 May 1954 sailed the River Tyne for trials returning the same day
14 May 1954 sailed the River Tyne for Rosyth
25 May 1954 arrived at the River Tyne from Rosyth
28 May 1954 sailed from the River Tyne for Devonport passing Flamborough Head southbound
28 November 1954 arrived Auckland, New Zealand
12 September 1955 passed the Lloyds Signal Station at Dover sailing westbound
3 October 1955 sailed Suez
15 October 1955 sailed Bahein for Mena Al Ahmadi
17 October 1955 sailed Mena Al Ahmadi for Venice
31 October 1955 sailed from Port Said
9 November 1955 sailed Venice for Banias
16 November 1955 sailed from Banias
2 December 1955 arrived at Hamburg, Germany
8 December 1955 Captain J W Cunningham RFA appointed as Master
14 December 1955 passed Gibraltar sailing east bound for Banias
23 December 1955 arrived at Port Said
29 December 1955 sailed Suez
29 January 1956 Captain H R Davies RFA appointed as Master
15 March 1956 sailed from Suez
4 February 1957 at Fawley
23 April 1957 at Old Kilpatrick Oil Fuel Depot, River Clyde
23 May 1957 Mr J G Simpson RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer
16 September 1958 Captain Russell G Edmonds RFA appointed as Master
17 June 1959 sailed from Bahrein for Singapore
21 September 1959 moved from Plymouth Sound to No: 9 Wharf, Devonport Dockyard
28 September 1959 moved from No: 9 Wharf, Devonport Dockyard to Plymouth Sound
2 October 1959 moved from Plymouth Sound to Yonderberry Oil Fuel Pier, Devonport
5 October 1959 moved from Yonderberry Oil Fuel Pier, Devonport to Plymouth Sound
8 October 1959 to be laid up at Devonport
9 October 1959 moved from Plymouth Sound to No: 9 Wharf, Devonport Dockyard
18 October 1959 Captain Walter L Holtam RFA appointed as Master
18 November 1959 moved from No: 9 Wharf, Devonport Dockyard to Gravesend Moorings on RFA WAVE VICTOR
11 December 1959 Captain Albert V Barton OBE RFA appointed as Master
12 October 1960 at Devonport moved from Gravesend Mooring on RFA WAVE VICTOR to No: 1 West Mud moorings. Later the same day RFA WAVE VICTOR was moved to No: 1 West Mud moorings outboard of RFA BISHOPDALE
2 January 1961 at Devonport RFA WAVE VICTOR moved from outboard of RFA BISHOPDALE to No: 1 Jetty
13 January 1961 at Devonport RFA WAVE VICTOR was moved to No: 1 West Mud moorings outboard of RFA BISHOPDALE again
20 January 1961 at Devonport RFA WAVE VICTOR moved from outboard of RFA BISHOPDALE to No: 1 Jetty again
8 February 1961 at Devonport RFA WAVE VICTOR was moved to No: 1 West Mud moorings outboard of RFA BISHOPDALE again
28 February 1961 at Devonport RFA EDDYCREEK was moved from Millbay Docks to No: 1 West Mud moorings outboard of RFA BISHOPDALE
23 May 1961 at Devonport RFA SURF PATROL was moved from No: 1 Jetty to No: 1 West Mud moorings outboard of RFA BISHOPDALE
18 November 1969 on the Disposal List at Devonport
22 November 1969 and 29 November 1969 offered for sale ‘as lying’ at Devonport in The Times on these dates by the Board of Trade
28 January 1970 sold to Spanish breakers
11 February 1970 sailed Devonport in tow for the breakers
17 February 1970 arrived Bilbao, Spain for breaking up by Luis Arbulu Arana (Hierros Ardes)
Notes:
1. She was originally destined to be one of a Class of what was to become 93 tankers over a 15 year period, the lead ship of this Class being launched at Newcastle as BRITISH FAME on19 June 1936.
2. MERKUR (ex RIO BRAVO) was originally built for North German Lloyd and was requisitioned by the RAN in 1942 and returned after the War .
3. POYANG, built for China Nav Co Ltd, was requisitioned by the RAN on 22/05/42 and was returned in 11/45. She arrived Singapore for demolition on 30/07/70
4. Records of USS warships being refuelled by RFA Bishopdale have been sourced from the respective USS warships war diaries
5. YUNNAN, originally a passenger/cargo ship built for China Nav Co Ltd, was requisitioned by the RAN in 09/42 and was returned in 01/46. She arrived at Hong Kong for demolition on 09/06/71