Les - There was an obligation on both Seamen and officers to remain part of the RNR after leaving the Navy.

Proffesional Seamen could join the RNR direct and I think it was true that the major shipping lines encouraged thier officers to join.

You are correct to say that RNVR were the weekend sailors - With no previous history in the Navy.

With the privaledge of a merchant ship, of flying the Blue Ensign (See a previous post) this could well explain the thought that the big White Star Liners were naval auxilaries.

The "Jervis Bay" & "Rawlapindi" sank flying the White Ensign - Not the Blue.