I'm new to electronics so as much help as possible please.

In diagram is two 12v dc batteries, a 6 pin toggle switch (on- off-on) and a socket to a motor.

I believe the way this is rigged up I will be running

* - one 12v battery in the off position
* - two 12v batteries in series to make 24v in position 1
* - and two 12v batteries parallel to make 12v in position 2.

Will this work? Please excuse the basic picture

 

Whoops position 1 and 2 are the other way around so position 2 is the 24v option

 

Position 2 puts the batteries in series, but taking the output from the common terminals means you'll always have 12V at the plug. In position 1, it's both batteries in parallel as you wanted.

I'd do it like this:

 

Took me 3 hours to work that out with easily 50 drawing, so glad it will work. I will also take your way into account.

Thank you for your help

 

Took me 3 hours to work that out with easily 50 drawing, so glad it will work.

If I wasn't clear, your way won't work for series; the plug will always have 12V.

 

Took me 3 hours to work that out with easily 50 drawing, so glad it will work. I will also take your way into account.

Thank you for your help

FWIW: You will spare yourself much time and 'agro' via adoption of schematic (as opposed to pictorial) representation -- Schematics illustrate the circuit -- whereas layout drawings, etc... show only that -- layout...

With constructive intent
HP

 

Read this: https://www.google.hr/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=schematic tutorial

 

Position 2 puts the batteries in series, but taking the output from the common terminals means you'll always have 12V at the plug. In position 1, it's both batteries in parallel as you wanted.

I'd do it like this:
View attachment 90605

With your way, when the toggle switch is in the 3-4 position would the system be off?

 

With your way, when the toggle switch is in the 3-4 position would the system be off?

If you use a 3 position on-off-on switch; yes.

 

Depending on the type of battery... connecting them in parallel can be problematic, they will "fight" if the terminal voltages are not exactly the same.