Training Ship Vindicatrix

[Jeff Glasser]

Some of you who frequent the mad house that is FACE BOOK will have seen the post I put on last Monday. I'll repost here for those that didn't.

56 years ago today on a damp and cold October the 19th 1964 as a somewhat nervous 15 year old, I took two steps through the gates of the Merchant Navy training school N.S.T.S. 'VINDICATRIX' at Sharpness docks in rural Gloucestershire.
I could have turned and gone home, the choice was mine, if I'd known which way was home I might have taken that route, but along with a bunch of equally unsure young lads all trying desperately to look tough, I decided to stay and embarked on the greatest adventure a young chap could have.
We were told in no uncertain terms by the Officer who greeted us that if we didn't think we could hack it then we should turn around and f**k off now before we wasted his time and our own. I was sorely tempted. My bottom lip may have stuck out a bit at this stage.
I was rapidly changed from 'mummies little soldier' into a young man who grew up very quickly in the time I was there, and would be given a set of basic rules to live by for the rest of my life.
Value true friendship, never take anything or anyone on face value, don't touch anything that doesn't belong to you and always do the best you can with whatever you do and have respect for authority. There were a few more. I've tried to stick to them but there have been lapses.
Coming from a very comfortable home life this place was a shock to the system to a kid who had no idea how laundry was done or that there actually was a time before 8 am!
I know that nearly all ex Vindi' boys feel they became better people by staying the course and have never regretted the time spent there.


Thank you dear old 'Vindi'.

Jeff'.

[Doc Vernon]

Deed done Jeff
Cheers

[Jeff Glasser]

Thanks for sorting that Vernon, much obliged matey. Jeff

[happy daze john in oz]

That was it Jeff, we went in as boys and came out as men.

Pity there is not something similar now for the younger ones, it might bring some into the real world.

But we were the lucky ones, life then was so different to now, I do not think there was the pressures we experience today, life was in my mind much simpler then.

[Jeff Glasser]

You're so right John, I regard my teenage and early twenties as easy times, though we did work as hard as anyone. I think going to sea allowed me to see life in a different way and was for the best part (apart from trying to bring up my stomach every trip!) most enjoyable. I've been very lucky and had until a few years ago had a brilliant life. So no complaints.
I agree, it is sad that there isn't the equivalent type of place like the Vindi' for youngsters to give them a direction in life. I'll get of me soap box now.
Jeff

[Kyran Martin]

The Arranmore as she was first named was dismasted off Cape Horn and towed to the Falklands, She was later sold to the germans and in the 1st world war she was used as an accommodation ship by the german Navy, named Waultrude, after WW1 she was returned to England and renamed Vindicatrix as she had been vindicated for working for the enemy.
she then became a training ship in the London Docks and then to Gravesend, at the start of WW2 with the Blitz, she was towed round to Sharpness and stayed there until January 1966. and went to Newport for scrapping, Sold for £2,500. less than a second hand car, A vindi lad tried to buy her but demolition had started.
Brian

I was there from 23-5-66 to 15-7-66 possibly it went in 67 kyran

[Captain Kong]

Sharpness Gloucestershire 1965-1969 (2) - YouTube
THIS is a film of the Vindicatrix leaving for the breakers,

[happy daze john in oz]

Thanks for that Brian, very informative.
She certainly had a varied life and if she could talk just imagine the tales she could have told.

Cpt D did well from 1939 and still there in 1960 and beyond.

[Antony Smith]

I support the correction made by John in Oz. I am Tony in Oz and was at the Vindicatrix for 10 weeks in 1959. There were only boys who planned to work on deck, the catering lads were trained at Gravesend at that time. I was the 'Post boy' whilst there. Have fond memories of the experience, trips up to Dursley etc. Captain Agate was in charge. 'We're going to join old Agate's navy' was a song we used to sing. Didn't have I.T then, and so unfortunately, soon lost contact with some good friends.

Still travelling..Brisbane is H.Q.
Tony Smith R720441

[happy daze john in oz]

Had she ever been declared as heritage listed she may well still be here as a museum.