Hi Errol - thank you for that - we did know of the existance of the Sea Training Home at Wallasey, but don't think father was ever there - he seems to have been Birkenhead based. Yes - I know its not far away - but still don't think he was there. But we are going to look for further info on the Wallasey school, out of interest if nothing more comes of it - many, many thanks - Jackie