The Francis Molison was used to provide the Mars boys with more seagoing skills and nautical experience. Here they show off their agility as they take up their positions all over the ship's masts and rigging.
This photo shows the Mars at anchor off Woodhaven, with some of the boys standing on the slip.
A photograph of Chief Officer Flynn and the boat crews at Woodhaven, with the Mars in the background.
A newspaper letter about James Tait who was missionary to the boys on the Mars training ship for 48 years. It was written to the Newspaper by Willie Rankine of Woodhaven.
A postcard showing the Mars Boys spelling Happy New Year on Woodhaven Railway embankment (now the nature trail). The Mars can be seen behind.
A postcard showing the memorial at Woodhaven Pier to the Mars boys killed in WWI, with the ship behind.
This postcard shows the Francis Molison, a boat used by the Mars boys to gain seamanship skills and experience, berthed at Woodhaven Pier. The Mars is on the water behind.
Newspaper photograph of rededication ceremony of Mars boys' commemoration stone and plaque.
Newspaper account of the boys on the Mars training ship, printed in 1989 on the 60th anniversary of the ship leaving the Tay.
These photographs were taken in St Mary's Church in Newport. Many of the Mars boys attended church there and left their marks on the church pews! Each boy was only known by a number while on board ship, so in many cases that's all they carved, as in the first two photographs. 36, 38 and ...
A sea of faces - the Mars boys en masse on deck
The Mars boys in the classroom on board the Mars.
The full ship's complement - boys and crew around 1870
A photograph of the Mars boys watching the Mars leaving her berth at Woodhaven on 27 June 1929.
Toy car lent to exhibition 2016. Label reads: "Toy car which belonged to John Berry. Made in woodwork shop under the direction of Mr Burns of the Mars Training Ship. The ship was anchored off Woodhaven, Newport and provided training for the Merchant Navy for underprivileged boys until 1929, when the ship was towed away and broken ...
This photograph was in a drawer, but the finder had no knowledge of anyone in his family being on the ship. To date the boy has not been identified.
Wooden chess box made by the Mars boys in the workshops.
This wooden paper knife was made by the Mars boys in their workshops.
These wooden stools were made by the Mars boys in their workshops.