RFA Brown Ranger (A169) was a Ranger-class fleet support tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. During the Second World War she played an important role in the Malta Convoys and in Pacific operations. From 24 September to 30 September 1941 Brown Ranger was deployed as part of Force S in Operation Halberd, refuelling the ships of convoy WS 11X, en route from the Clyde to Malta via Gibraltar. Brown Ranger deployed again from Gibraltar on 16 November 1941 as part of Operation Chieftain, returning on 18 November. On 11 June 1942 she was part of Force Y in Operation Harpoon, supplying the escorts of convoy WS 19Z.[2]

Brown Ranger (A169)
History
RFA EnsignUnited Kingdom
NameBrown Ranger
Ordered28 August 1939[2]
BuilderHarland and Wolff[1]
Yard number1048[1]
Laid down28 October 1939[2][4]
Launched12 December 1940[2][3]
Completed11 April 1941[1]
Commissioned10 April 1941[2]
Decommissioned
  • November 1974
  • Laid up at Devonport.
Stricken1975
IdentificationIMO number5053961
Honours and
awards
North Africa 1942. Korea 1950.
FateDemolition began at Gijón, 28 May 1975
General characteristics [3]
Class and typeRanger-class fleet support tanker
Displacement6,630 long tons (6,736 t) full load
Length
  • 365 ft 10 in (111.51 m) oa
  • 349 ft 6 in (106.53 m) pp
Beam47.0 ft (14.3 m)
Draught20.0 ft (6.1 m)
Propulsion
  • 1 × 6-cylinder B&W diesel
  • 3,500 shp (2,600 kW)
  • 1 shaft
Speed12 kn (14 mph; 22 km/h)

She also saw service during the Korean War, from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953, along with 18 other Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and was awarded the battle honour Korea 1950–52.[2]

She was scrapped at Gijón on 28 May 1975.[2]

Citations edit

  1. ^ a b c McCluskie, Tom (2013). The Rise and Fall of Harland and Wolff. Stroud: The History Press. p. 147. ISBN 9780752488615.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g White, Christopher J.; Robinson, Peter. "RFA Brown Ranger". Historical RFA. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  3. ^ a b Blackman 1971, p. 378.
  4. ^ "A169 RFA Brown Rover". shipspotting/com. Retrieved 13 August 2012.

References edit

  • Blackman, Raymond V. B. (1971). Jane's Fighting Ships 1971–72. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co. ISBN 0-354-00096-9.