Subsequent name:

Official Number:                   168463

Class:                                     FRESH CLASS Water Carrier

Pennant No:                          X99

Laid down:                            26 November 1942

Builder:                                  Lytham Shipbuilding, Lytham
Launched:                             11 March 1943
Into Service:                          3 July 1943
Out of service:
Fate:                                       Sunk

Items of historic interest involving this ship: –

Background Data:   There were 14 vessels in this Class, designed by H.M. Dockyard, Devonport to the order of the RFA. The design was based on that of the earlier BLOSSOMand FOUNTAIN CLASSES but with an additional salvage and fire-fighting capability. They were originally operated by the Director of Victualling and were maintained at RN bases in the U.K. and Mediterranean where they were employed principally in replenishing warships’ freshwater supplies and also, from time to time, in fire fighting and salvage work. A total of 236 tons of fresh water could be carried in 6 tanks. Most of them saw only limited service under the RFA ensign, manned by RFA crews working under Board of Trade (Home Trade) Agreements, before being transferred to the control of the Captains of the Dockyards on Yard Craft Agreements. In 1959 they were brought under the authority of the newly-formed Port Auxiliary Service which in turn became the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service. Originally all coal-fired, 4 of the Class were converted to oil-burning in 1961

11 March 1943 Launched by Lytham Shipbuilding & Engineering Co, Lytham as Yard Nr 872 named  FRESHPOOL for the Admiralty (Director of Stores)

26 June 1943 Mr C Forbes appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

30 June 1943 at Fleetwood

3 July 1943 completed and was taken over by the RFA and sailed Fleetwood to Tower Quay, Birkenhead arriving the same day

9 July 1943 sailed Liverpool to Scapa Flow arriving 14 July 1943

24 July 1943 sailed Lyness to Kirkwall arriving the same day

12 August 1943 sailed Kirkwall to Lyness arriving the same day

27 September 1943 at Lyness, Orkney Cook-Steward L Chambers threatened and attempted to assault Able Seaman R Moat using a broken tumbler as a weapon. He further threatened Chief Officer D Flucker. The Orkney Police were called and in subsequent proceedings at Kirkwall Court on 28 September 1943 Chambers was sentenced £3.0.0 fine or 20 days imprisonment in-lieu. Signed off articles on 29 September 1943 last day on pay 27 September 1943

17 November 1943 sailed Lyness to Inverness arriving the next day

31 December 1943 at Inverness

4 January 1944 Captain David Cook RFA appointed as Master

29 March 1944 at Loch Dochfour, Inverness

15 April 1944 at Inverness

17 April 1944 Chief Engineer Officer C Forbes discharged sick and signed off at Inverness

18 April 1944 at Loch Ness

21 April 1944 at Oban Mr Robert S Gibb RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

5 May 1944 berthed at Portsmouth Harbour

4 May 1944 Captain Philip S Guy MBE RFA appointed as Master

20 May 1944 Mr Thomas H Brewster RFA appointed as Chief Engineer Officer

20 June 1944 Captain Norman Dakin RFA appointed as Master

29 June 1944 at Portsmouth Harbour with new Artcles being signed

5 July 1944 at the Solent Able Seaman M E Parker logged for using insulting and obscene language towards the Chief Officer. Fined 10/-

18 July 1944 at the Solent Cook/Steward H Gardener slipped while desending the focastle ladder injuring his right ankle. Examined by the Surgeon from HMS VECTIS and later discharged to Ryde County Hospital

21 July 1944 at the Solent Donkeyman Greaser J Beard discharged to Hospital with a suspected Appendicitis

1 August 1944 Donkeyman Greaser Saunders having been absent without leave since 28 July 1944 was reported to the Police at Southampton and still not being traced was reported as a deserter on 8 August 1944

15 August 1944 at Portsmouth Able Seaman E Parker was logged for using insolent and obscene language to the Chief Engineer Officer and fined £1.0.0. He further refused to carry out an order given by the Chief Officer and was fined 10/-. He further refused to appear before the Master twice and was fined £1.0.0

16 August 1944 at Portsmouth Able Seaman E Parker again refused to appear before the Master. He was refused shore leave but left the ship with his effects and was therefore regarded as a deserter

30 August 1944 at Cowes Roads Donkeyman Greaser W J Tyers went ashore without leave. Not having returned by 4 September 1944 he was reported to the Police by the Master at Southampton

5 September 1944 at Cowes Roads Donkeyman Greaser W J Tyers returned to the ship, was logged for being absent without leave for six days and fined £3.0.0

3 November 1944 at Cowes Roads

7 December 1944 at Victoria Dock, London

10 December 1944 sailed Southend in convoy TBC3 to Milford Haven arriving 13 December 1944

18 December 1944 at Cowes Roads

27 December 1945 at Dover. Captain Norman Dakin RFA was Master and Mr Thomas H Brewster RFA was the Chief Engineer Officer

30 May 1946 at Portsmouth ceased to be classed as an RFA and was taken over by the Director of Fuelling

3 June 1946 at Portsmouth

21 September 1948 passed the Lloyds Signal Station on the Lizard sailing west

1950 to 1971 based at Greenock

14 June 1955 used to test and commission a new slipway at Stornaway

14 January 1957 in refit at James Watt Dock, Greenock

August 1968 In collision with the British tug THUNDERER on the River Clyde after suffering a steering gear failure

12 December 1968 the Aberdeen Press & Journal reported –

1971 to 1975 based at Portland as a target

1975 sunk as a target off Portland