Thanks so much, Eric. I had seen some of the upward ancestors through other people's family trees on www.ancestry.com.au but wasn't sure if it was correct. I will see if I can trace Paul Jnr, born 1906 through BDMs.

I'm not sure if the Paul Bridson seaman on the Torquay is my ancestor. There were two Paul Bridson's born close together. My Paul was born in 1879. Another Paul was born in 1881 and his parents were John and Catherine from Malew. I started tracing the 'other' Paul, because I was convinced that was my family line because a newspaper article I found about Paul and Sarah in 1924 said their youngest child was 14 years old, which ruled out Percival Bridson (who would have been about 7 years old) being their child. Then I received a copy of my grandfather's birth certificate which listed Paul and Sarah as his parents! So the newspaper article in 1924 was obviously wrong! The 'other' Paul was a seaman and I suspect he is the one who was aboard the King Alfred - but I'm not sure. I'm hoping to find some descendants who might have knowledge in this regard.

My brother recalls our grandfather mentioning his brother Jimmy - which we extrapolate to be James.

I would love to know more about the Gelling line. Do you have a family tree on ancestry I could access or in another format?

Unfortunately we don't live on the IOM - we are in Canberra, Australia. Although we are planning a visit later in the year and I hope to find out more then, but it would be good to have as much information as I can before we come over.

Kind regards
Heather