Even in the 1960s and 1970s, they went away for a very long time, Merry. I have vivid memories of going with Mum to meet my dad's ship when it docked and being really scared that I wouldn't remember what he looked like. More than once did I run up to some sailor saying: 'Daddy!' to find out I'd gone for the wrong chap!
The story of David Hutton has been better than most of the dramas on TV and it's lovely of you to share what you have uncovered.