First full history of a vital but silent service. Most comprehensive fleet list of RFA ships ever published. A tie-in with numerous RFA Centenary celebrations in 2005 In the modern British fleet some of the largest, most important - and most potent - vessels are not technically warships, nor are they commanded by Royal Navy officers. This does not prevent them going 'in harm's way' (indeed, many have been awarded Battle Honours), and their pseudo-civilian status allows them to carry out duties forbidden for diplomatic reasons to recognised warships. Formally classed as merchant ships, these vessels are run like the Navy's own shipping company, by a unique organisation, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, which celebrates its centenary in 2005.