Launched as Hudson Cavalier and then spent a long period in the Mersey in lay up prior to completion. She arrived in the River Tyne on 10 December 1978 for conversion for RFA duties and she commenced service in February 1979. Appleleaf was sold in 1989 and renamed HMAS Westralia.
Serious fire 1998. Decommissioned 2006. Sold as storage vessel 2007, renamed Shiraz.
3rd Leaf Class.
STAT32. DWT 32000. Originally chartered and later purchased.
RFA Appleleaf (3) A79, ((Ex Hudson Cavalier) 1979 -1989. Sold to RAN. RFA Bayleaf (3) A109. 1982- . RFA Brambleleaf (3) . A81 (Ex Hudson Deep) 1979 -2007. Scrapped 2009
RFA Orangeleaf (3) A119. (Ex Balder London) 1984 - . RFA Oakleaf (2) A111. (Ex Oktania) 1985 - 2007.
Machinery: Appleleaf, Bayleaf, Brambleleaf, Orangeleaf2 x 14-cylinder Crossley Premier-Pielstick PC2 V14 (14PC 2V) diesels, 14,000bhp, single shaft; Oakleaf 1 x 4-cylinder Uddevalla/B&W diesel, 12,250bhp, single shaft, bow thruster.
Speeds: Appleleaf, Bayleaf, Brambleleaf, Orangeleaf l5 knots (16.5 knots maximum); Oakleaf l4.5 knots (15.5 knots maximum)
Complement: Appleleaf, Bayleaf, Brambleleaf, Orangeleaf 56 RFA; Oakleaf 36 RFA
Armament: Oakleaf 2 x 7.62mm GPMGs; Bayleaf, Orangeleaf2 x 20mm GAM-BO 1,4 x 7.62mm GPMGs
