The photo of Wellesley is dated March 1914, the other 3 are undated.

The kids look really pleased to be there !

Did they have to go or did they want to go !

The first picture is probably from a wee bit earlier as she was destroyed by fire in March 1914. Probably a 'Before' shot pulled from the archives.
The Young Gentlemen were quite self sufficient and made all their own clothing. A statement from the Tailors Shop in 1897 reads.... 'Cost of Materials £263-7-10.5p. Value of garments produced £487, saving £223-12-1.5p.

For Breakfast the Boys got:-
Oatmeal porridge with milk and sugar on two mornings a week.
Boiled Rice with milk and treacle on two mornings.
Half Pint of cocoa and 8 oz bread on two mornings.
Half Pint of Coffee and 8 oz bread on Sundays.

Now I'm trying very hard to work out what is missing from the Gun Drill Postcard because there is no way that lad in the centre could stand like that without falling over.

For more information on the Wellesley, I can recommend...'The Tyne Training Ship Wellesley, Remembered by Brian Godfrey, Published by Summerhill Books, Newcastle at the Grand Price of £4.99.

Paul, I should have said it was a postcard dated 13th March 1914 so goodness knows when it was taken.

"Now I'm trying very hard to work out what is missing from the Gun Drill Postcard because there is no way that lad in the centre could stand like that without falling over."

He's the one who had extra porridge that morning ..... he's in the Jetstream.

Paul,

Now I'm trying very hard to work out what is missing from the Gun Drill Postcard because there is no way that lad in the centre could stand like that without falling over.

Unless it's a scratch on the original photo is that a lanyard he's got wrapped round his right hand? .... he's saying stand well back while I fire this gun!! I like the sly look the lad next to the cannon is giving the camera (while he and all the others stand rigidly to attention)! The other lad extreme right obviously doesn't mind being seen looking at the camera.

Ron

I did spot the Lanyard as well, Ron.

But he's still going to go Arse over Tip when he pulls it.

Still wondering if it is, actually possible to 'Stand' like that in a seated position without falling over......no way I could manage it! And he's got his heels off the ground.