Hi Liz.

Catherine could have been staying in the IOM for months or longer before and after her son was born, so considered it to be her last place of residence before going back to Liverpool to get on the 'Runic' to go to Victoria. Hence the "British Possessions".

Francis was already in Victoria looking after the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, having given up going to sea.

We know that the Runic arrived in Vic in Sept.1923 when Cath was 22. And we know that she married there on 18th Sept.1923. What we, or rather I, don't know is what date in Sept the vessel arrived, to be able to confirm that it was her marriage. The date will be on the passenger list, available in the Public Record Office Victoria. Do you have any Melbourne contacts who wouldn't mind looking at it for you?

To get married so soon after her arrival the two of them must have planned it well in advance. Perhaps she originally intended to return for George as soon as she was settled.

Her death cert said she had been in Australia (Victoria) for 25 years which fits the arrival date.

Sue