I managed to install ( -and download) the 'boot repair' app and ran the code. Regrettably the ISO - on a USB would not load and run from boot. Presumably the ISO did not have the 'appropriate' coding to run from boot - I don't know, but the install from ubuntu main did run ok.
It seemed to work well and replaced Grub ( -which is what it's main purpose seems to be) and it reported a successful completion. The bad news is that it has not changed the lengthy boot sequence, in fact, systemd reported an increase in time!
In summary, I believe the problem that I reported, systemd not finding (recognizing) a drive UUID, requires a systemd 'purge' (-probably a manual change of UUID line,) which I have not the faintest idea how to do!
Thank you for your help, but I have now decided to re-install ( I have all my Data backed up).
o.