The class was based on RFA Olna, which had served with the British Pacific Fleet during the Second World War.

Upon completion, the RANs Tide Austral could not be accepted into service because of manpower and financial difficulties.

[5] Tide Austral, Tideflow (ex-Tiderace), Tidesurge (ex-Tiderange) and Tidereach were planned with a normal complement of 100 Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel.

[3] Tide Austral was built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, she was laid down on 5 August 1952 and launched on 1 September 1954.

Tideflow (ex-Tiderace), Tidesurge (ex-Tiderange) and Tidereach were built in the north east of England by J.L.

[4] Following nineteen years service, Tideflow was laid up at HMMB Devonport during November 1975 and she was added to the 'Disposal List' on 8 January 1976.

[11] Tidepool left HMNB Portsmouth on 22 February 1982, after nineteen years in the RFA, after being purchased by Chile for £1.8m.

She arrived at Arica, Chile, for handover to the Chilean Navy, however, she was recalled to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary on 4 April, due to the Falklands War.

She was eventually transferred to the Chilean Navy on 13 August 1982 at Talcahuano, Chile, where she was renamed Almirante Jorge Montt (AO 52).

The following year, in March 1992, she was towed from Portsmouth to the breakers, arriving in July at Alang, India, where the disposal work commenced.