The sea flows through my veins: Wharfmaster rewarded for half-century of service

A former dockyard stalwart has been presented with one of the UK's highest commendations in recognition of his 52 years of service to the Royal Navy.

Dave Trigger was presented with the Imperial Service Medal during a ceremony at HMNB Devonport for his exemplary and meritorious service working in Devonport Dockyard and across the Plymouth area.

"My roots have always been touching the water," said Mr Trigger.

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He was presented with his medal by Brigadier Mike Tanner, Naval Base Commander (Devonport), who praised the former Devonport wharfmaster for his distinguished and valuable service.

Mr Trigger's career began in 1971 when he worked at the Royal William Yard.

He later moved to the dockyard to work in food supply, making more use of frozen produce, in 1975.

"It was physically hard work. We'd receive bulk loads of clothing and uniforms that needed sorting," said Mr Trigger.

"I learnt so much about badges, kit for different climates, the variety of sizes needed, protective clothing and how we dispatched out to a fleet around the world."

During the Falklands War in 1982, Mr Trigger worked with some of the vessels that would go on to join the Task Group in the South Atlantic.

Mr Trigger added: "I returned to the dockyard in 2002 and became the Wharfmaster.

"The sea flows through my veins. I'd grown up near the sea and had been a lifeguard at Bigbury in my younger days, as well as an Auxiliary Coastguard and served on the Plymouth lifeboat."

In 2006, he was awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace. He retired from the Civil Service in 2022.