Chartered Logistic Transports (LSLs)

The six Sir Lancelot Class Landing Ships played a vital amphibious and logistical role in the Falklands Conflict. However a fierce Argentine air attack left Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram in a devastating condition. The damage to Sir Galahad was so extensive that she was scuttled in the South Atlantic, while the hulk of Sir Tristram was refloated and towed to Stanley. A new Sir Galahad was ordered from Swan Hunter while Sir Tristram was brought to the Tyne to be rebuilt. It would be several years before these vessel joined the fleet so the Ministry of Defence (MoD) chartered two roll on roll off ferries: the Norweigen 'Grey Master' (renamed RFA Sir Caradoc) and the Canadian 'Lakespan Ontario' (renamed RFA Sir Lamorak) .

Completed in 1973 Sir Caradoc displaced 3,350 tons, measured 406ft in length, 54ft in breadth and 16.4ft in draught, while Sir Lamorak displaced 2,570 tons. Both vessels had a complement of 24 (10 officers and 14 ratings).

However both Sir Caradoc and Sir Lamorak were found unsuitable for the South Atlantic and mainly operated on Army freight runs between Marchwood and Antwerp, although Sir Lamoark participated in Exercise Rough Diamond '83. Upon the commissioning of the new Sir Galahad, Sir Caradoc was returned to her owners.

Ship	Pennant Number	Builder	Launch Date	Chartered	Commissioned
Sir Lamorak	L3532	Ankerlokken, Floro, Norway	May 9^th 1972	January 14th 1983
Sir Caradoc	L3522	Trosik Verksted, Norway	November 8^th 1972	March 17th 1983	March 6th 1983

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