Overview

​An original vintage real photograph depicting the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker R.F.A. Francol.

​The reverse of the photograph features handwritten pencil notes reading "RFA Francol" along with an attached paper label clearly inscribed:

​"R.F.A. FRANCOL WEI.HAI.WEI."

​This is an exceptional piece of maritime military history, capturing the vessel at the British naval territory/station of Weihaiwei (Wei-Hai-Wei), China.

​Item Details

• ​Subject: Royal Fleet Auxiliary (R.F.A.) Francol

• ​Location noted: Weihaiwei (Wei Hai Wei), China

• ​Type: Original Vintage Photograph (Black & White / Sepia tone)

• ​Dimensions: Approx. 10.5 cm x 6.5 cm

• ​Format: Single photograph with plain reverse bearing manuscript identification and paper label.

Key Dates & Overview

• ​Ship Name: R.F.A. Francol (Official No. 140441)

• ​Vessel Type: Belgol-class 2,000-ton oil tanker / refuelling vessel

• ​Built By: Earle’s Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd., Hull

• ​Launched: 18 October 1917

• ​Entered Service: 18 December 1917

• ​Sunk / Out of Service: 4 March 1942

​2. History & The Weihaiwei Connection

​First World War & Interwar Era (1917–1930s)

• ​Built during World War I to supply fuel oil (FFO) to Royal Navy warships, submarines, and escorts.

• ​Following the end of WWI, Francol was dispatched to the Far East as part of the Royal Navy's China Station.

• ​The Photo's Date & Location: The paper label on the reverse identifies the photo as taken at Wei-Hai-Wei (Weihaiwei), a British naval territory and station in Shandong, China. RFA Francol arrived in the Far East in 1920 and was actively stationed refuelling fleet ships (including HMS Hawkins, HMS Titania, and Royal Navy submarines) at Weihaiwei in August 1921. This date-stamps the photograph to circa 1920–1922.

​Second World War & Tragic Fate (1939–1942)

• ​Francol continued active service into World War II in the Pacific and Indian Ocean theatres.

• ​On 4 March 1942, while attempting to escape Java (Dutch East Indies) for Fremantle, Australia, in a small convoy escorted by the Australian sloop HMAS Yarra, the ships were intercepted approximately 300 miles south of Java by a heavy Japanese surface squadron (including the heavy cruisers Atago, Takao, and Maya).

• ​After a desperate defense by HMAS Yarra, RFA Francol sustained severe shellfire and sank at around 07:30.