JOHN CHILTON, of Coates, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, writes:

I wonder if your readers may be able to help me?

As a Kingsbridge school boy, I was brought over to Dartmouth by my father to see a German U-boat that was paying a so-called 'goodwill visit' I cannot remember exactly, but it was probably in 1936 or 1937. With the Second World War looming, I doubt that it was 1938.

The boat was moored alongside the quay, adjacent to the ferry stage for Kingswear, and we climbed up the conning tower, to descend inside, joining a small party of other visitors, to be taken in charge by a German petty officer who guided us through the boat.

All went well until he shouted at one of the crew, which brought back too many memories of his time as a prisoner-of-war to my father, from 1914 to 1918. Within minutes, I found us back on the quayside!

I would be very grateful if any of your readers, or the harbourmaster or naval college historians could let me know the date of the visit.

I can be contacted by email at [email protected]">[email protected].