New auxiliary ships for the British navy according to the Dutch magazine Marineblad dated 1901-1902 no. 5

An item referred to the magazine Mitth. reporting that the British navy bought two large steamships to be used as coal depots. The Khaki was destined to be used for the Channel squadron, the other Nubian to serve at the Cape. The large steamship Assistance was bought to be fitted out as repair ship while the Destiller [=Aquarius] was to be converted into a distiller ship. All these ships were able to continue the cruise speed of the squadrons.