“Bear in mind, junior sailors really are still kids (18 before they go to sea, nowadays - legal adults, yeah, but still kids).”
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How well I know, I was “Owned” by the US Navy at the age of 16, I turned 17 in basic training and was serving aboard an old Fletcher class DD shortly there after.
I joined the RAN in the early ‘70s when they still took in ‘boys’ for officer training (Cadet Midshipman) and into the enlisted ranks as well (Junior Recruits). Was only 15 (and that was an increase in age - most of the men I served under had joined at 13.) Changed in the 1980s (although you can still join a little before you turn 18 - the UN lumps us in with the places in Africa that have child soldiers because of that).
“I was “Owned” by the US Navy at the age of 16”
Me too. Joined at 16, my Dad signed a parental release so I could join, he knew the opportunity would not pass again.
Served two tours in the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club and was out as a Petty Officer Second before I turned 21. Went on to college with the GI bill and became an engineer.