Orders, Decorations and Medals

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, no clasp (Lieut. T. B. Triggs, R.N. H.M.S. Serapis) light pitting from star, otherwise good very fine £180-220

Tom Triggs was born on 19 May 1853 and entered the Navy as a Cadet aboard H.M.S. Britannia on 23 January 1867, afterwards going to Prince Consort(1868-71) where he was promoted to Midshipman in October 1868. He was promoted to Sub Lieutenant whilst on the books of Asia on 14 April 1873. During his next commission aboard H.M.S. Active (1873-76) he served throughout the blockade of Dahomey in 1874 in command of her cutter, and, in 1875, served throughout the expedition up the River Congo in punishing rebel chiefs. During July and August 1876, he was in charge of the steam pinnace throughout the Niger Expedition. He was landed in command of a company of men, and present at the battles of Sabrogea, Agberi and Afchido, being specially promoted to Lieutenant with seniority of 13 October 1876 for these services. His next appointments were aboard H.M. Ships Revenge (1878-79), Comus (1879-81) and then Serapis (1882-85), in which he took part in the Suakin Campaign, Humber (1886-88), and a second commission aboard Serapis (1888-91) whence he was promoted to Commander on 30 June 1891. Whilst on the books of Vivid he was the Executive Commander of the Royal Naval Engineering College, Keyham, Devonport (1891-94). In 1895 he was seconded for Coast Guard Duties until 18 April 1900 when he was retired, becoming the Superintendent of the Marine Society's Training Ship Warspite. He died on 23 January 1921.