Hi Pamela
Dontknow if this may assist!??
The UK had many Vindicatrix, London, Lancashire, Gravesend etc.
The fascinating part of this research is the young lads from Homes, and Orphanages at the age 14 signing Articles on Merchant Ships WW2. post Navy League Training. The enlistment age for the services 17. They had 3 years Seagoing Service Merchant Navy prior to enlistment RN and RAN. These lads were the backbone of the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy and designated with interlaced chevrons specified RNR(S). Seagoing or RANR(S).
Returning to various Shipping Companies during Post War years.
The Lancashire and National Sea Training Homes for Boys. Established in 1896 as the Liverpool branch of the Navy League. From1907 - 1908 the Home was called ‘The Lancashire (Navy League) Home for Poor Boys’. The name was subsequently changed in 1916 to the title ‘Lancashire and National Sea Training Home for Boys’ and remained so until 1945 when they merged with TS Indefatigable
NSTS Wallasey
Further research these 14 year old Boys on Articles were Merchant Seamen who served their Apprenticeship (4years) from Deck Boy, Ordinary Seamen, to AB Able-Bodied Seamen then attending Nautical School and passing exams for Second Mates Certificate of Competency Foreign Going(FG) then enlisting in the Royal Navy RN or RAN, as Sub or Lieutenant Rank (Seagoing) in Command of Naval Vessels at sea.
http://www.photoship.co.uk/JAlbum%20...catrix-01.html
Cheers
Above Extracts thanks from Mercantile Marine Site