The basis of this story is an autobiography that has been changed into pseudo form. Any original names or titles that have been left in are necessary and have been assessed as safe to use. However, most are not the original names. Although some segments of the story may be very near the truth, most presumed situations have been modified or are fictional.

The story involves poverty, institutions, sadness, happiness, disappointment, love, and romance, and plenty of humour. It also travels with the British Royal Navy, with minimal references to wartime activities.

The journey starts in London, England and then continues through to other parts of England and then on to the Mediterranean, Sri Lanka, Japan, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, Singapore, the West Indies, USA, Canada, Africa, Hong Kong, and finally back to Australia.

John Leonard Spencer was born to humble beginnings. He spent five punishing years at a charity boarding school, had a not so successful twenty-five year naval career and a colourful love life. He has been married for over fifty years and lives with his beautiful wife Mary on the central coast of New South Wales, Australia.