The Eddy class formed a component of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's post-World War II construction initiative, specifically intended for Fleet Attendant responsibilities at naval installations globally. Initially, the design projected the construction of ten vessels within this class; however, two were ultimately scrapped during the building phase. Consequently, the remaining eight ships became effectively obsolete upon completion, as the advancements achieved in Replenishment at Sea methods during the Second World War rendered their original purpose outdated.[1]
Most of the class had relatively short service careers, although Eddyfirth remained in service until 1981. Several of the vessels were based at Gibraltar in the Mediterranean for most of their service years.
Design
The vessels of this class possessed a cargo capacity of 1,650 long tons (1,680t) and were designed to transport various fuels across four cargo tanks, which were operated by four cargo pumps. Additionally, these ships had the capability to carry two distinct grades of lubricating oil in specially designed tanks and could accommodate a limited quantity of dry cargo and some ammunition. The cargo areas were equipped with 2 x 3 long tons (3.0t) and 2 x 1 long ton (1.0t)derricks for cargo handling, rendering them exceptionally useful in smaller harbours or at anchorages. The Eddy class was manned by a crew of around thirty-eight individuals and offered adequate living accommodations relative to their dimensions.[1]
Construction
All eight ships constructed exhibited a similar appearance, although there were slight variations in tonnage and some minor design characteristics, which were contingent upon the shipyard where they were constructed.[1]
The class was characterised by several typical features, which included a displacement of roughly 2,200 long tons (2,200t)deadweight (DWT), a length of approximately 286 ft 5 in (87.3 m), a beam of approximately 46 ft 4 in (14.1 m), Draught: nearly 17 ft 3.5 in (5.3 m), with the propulsion consisting a 3-cylinder triple-expansion steam engine with a speed of about 12 knots (22km/h; 14mph).[2]
RFA Eddybeach was transformed into a fish processing vessel and subsequently renamed Mykinai, initially operating under the Greek flag and later under the Argentinian flag.[13] RFA Eddybay was initially sold to Pounds Shipowners & Shipbreakers Ltd, located in Portsmouth, and subsequently resold to breakers in Belgium.[2]
RFA Eddycreek was sold in November 1963. On Christmas Day 1963, during a storm, she ran aground. Subsequently refloated, she was sold to a shipbreaking yard in Leghorn in February 1964. RFA Eddyreef was towed to Willebroek in April 1964 for dismantling. RFA Eddycliff was transferred in 1966 to Greek ownership in Malta, subsequently modified into a fish processing vessel, and rebranded as Knossos.[13]
RFA Eddyrock was transferred to commercial entities in Singapore on 27 June 1967 and subsequently renamed as Aletta in 1968. RFA Eddyness was listed for sale in Plymouth during November 1969. She was dismantled in Valencia, arriving there on 24 February 1970. RFA Eddyfirth was retired in April 1981 and subsequently sold to a shipbreaking company in Spain in January 1982. The dismantling process began in Seville on 28 March 1983.[13]
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Royal Fleet Auxiliary