The author was brought up on the Barbary coast of Monkwearmouth, Sunderland. This true tale starts from his birth and ends when he enters the Church of The Good Shepherd to marry Ruth. His adventures began at an early age. With uncles and their friends swimming? in the sea at Roker then his schooldays and out of school capers. Dock Street and Whitburn Street chapels and activities. Youth club, wolf cubs, the boys brigade. St Gabriel rover scouts. With family on the beach and row boating on the River Wear. Looking and finding work. Roller skating, swimming, ballroom dancing, partying. Then came the war and air raids. Joined first aid party in Colliery School First Aid Post, Entered Merchant Navy, visiting several foreign countries mixing with the locals. My last voyage ended October 1947 and I returned to Civvy Street to court the girl I was to marry in February 1949