T.S. Vindicatrix
		Association HQ

History of the ship 'Vindicatrix'.

Her history was researched in depth and fully by the General Secretary (see the book 'Vindicatrix') prior to founding the Association. For the first time, we have the true and accurate story of her life, and have been able to lay to rest all those yarns we were told whilst training, and which became accepted as gospel over the years.

Vindicatrix was British built, and sailed under the red ensign for the first 17 years of her life; sold to a German firm, she first became a hulk and then an accommodation ship for U-boat officers. After WW1, she was repossessed and given to the Shipping Federation; she sat in London docks, until she became a training ship for boys in 1939 at Sharpness.

She had a very interesting life, spanning 74 years, and survived several major mishaps; she was eventually broken up in 1967.

    For those who are able to visit the National Archive at Kew, there are three significant Crew Agreements to be found. The Official No. of the Arranmore/Vindicatrix was 102634

BT 99/2333    For the trip which commenced in 1901 and ended up in her being shipwrecked at Port Elizabeth in 1903.

BT 99/2643   For the trip which commenced in 1907 and ended in Hamburg in 1909, when she was then transferred to German ownership.

BT 381/8      As the Vindicatrix, when she was towed to Sharpness in June '39, with a crew of Master, Mate, 2nd Mate, Bosun, Donkeyman, Cook and 7 AB's.  

    Anyone wishing to see a copy of the Title Page and pages 4 and 5, of this Vindi Crew Agreement  which contain the Crew Details, please contact me via this link for a download

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