Bayleaf had three Leaf-class sisters Oakleaf, Brambleleaf and Orangeleaf and all four were originally designed as commercial tankers and underwent major conversions to bring them up to RFA standards and equip them for naval support.

During June and August she performed replenishment at sea (RAS) with various RN, HMCS, USN and other Allied ships, returning to either anchor off Dubai or berthing at Port Rashid.

[3] On 5 September 2002 she provided humanitarian aid, rescuing five crew from the Guinean cargo ship MV Falcon which sank in the Indian Ocean, and landed them at Dubai.

Between October 2003 and April 2006 she deployed from and berthed at Dubai, Port Rashid and Jebel Ali, taking part in Exercise Khunjar Hadd between 5 and 9 June 2004 and conducting replenishment at sea (RAS) with many RN, RFA, RNZN, RAN, USN and other Allied naval vessels including with the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA-4) and the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD-50) on 19 February 2006, in the Persian Gulf.

[2] In autumn 2009 Bayleaf underwent FOST at Portland and upon completion sailed to Soudha Bay, Crete, before transiting the Suez Canal arriving at Bahrain on 18 November.

Donkersly, RFA, was appointed as the new commanding officer on 21 April 2010 and during May, June and July she RAS’ed with many RN, RAN, USN and various other Allied naval vessels.

[6] On 20 October 2010, Captain Charles F. Simmons, RFA, was appointed as commanding officer and Bayleaf continued with various duties until 13 February 2011 when she sailed from Dubai eventually arriving at HMNB Portsmouth on 15 April 2011.

[1] The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ensign was lowered for the final time on 20 April 2011 for Bayleaf, she was removed from the RFA Flotilla and a ceremony was held to commemorate all she and her crew have achieved since 1982.

[8] On 12 April 1985 RFA Bayleaf was awarded her Falkland Islands 1982 Battle honour by Mrs Angela Pritchard, wife of Director General Stores and Transport (Navy) (DGST (N)).