The Royal Fleet Auxiliary: A Century Of Service

In the modern British fleet some of the largest, most important - and most potent - vessels are not technically warships, nor are they commanded by Royal Navy officers. This does not prevent them going 'in harm's way' (indeed, many have been awarded Battle Honours), and their pseudo-civilian status allows them to carry out duties forbidden for diplomatic reasons to recognized warships. Formally classed as merchant ships, these vessels are run like the Navy's own shipping company, by a unique organization, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, which celebrates its centenary in 2005. From humble origins in 1905 with ships that carried coal, and later oil fuel, for the fleet, through hazardous service in two world wars, the RFA has become an absolutely central element in modern naval warfare. This book combines the largely unsung history of this service in peace and war - including a detailed chronology of its activities - with the most comprehensive fleet list ever compiled. Written by the RFA's official historians, it is illustrated in depth from the archives, and completed by extensive appendices covering topics like losses, medals and honors, flags, color schemes, badges and pennant numbers.