Mercy Place Colac resident Les Trigg has achieved a lifelong dream by taking a ride on a Harley Davidson through the streets of the Victorian town. Source: Mercy Health.
“Trigger”, as he is known by those closest to him, turned 102 last Thursday. Coronavirus restrictions in 2021 forced his 100th birthday celebrations online, so he made the most of turning 102.
As a birthday treat, Mr Trigg was taken on Harley Davidson drive through the streets of Colac, thanks to Glenn Beckett, who is the husband of a Mercy Place Colac staff member.
Reaching 102 is not a bad result for a chap who was orphaned by the age of seven with the death of his father; his mother had died when he was a baby.
He spent much of his childhood in foster care, along with his sister, Jean.
In his 20s, Mr Trigg was sent to fight for Australia and the Allies in the World War II. He joined the transport unit in the army but was soon transferred to the infantry, which meant spending time in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.
“It was interesting to say the least,” he said. Mr Trigg suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of war service.
He said the first relief from PTSD he felt was when he returned to New Guinea and visited the Lae War Cemetery where many of his army mates were laid to rest decades earlier. He said he followed the motto “never lose sight of each other” and the cemetery visit was pivotal in his recovery.
“Life hasn’t been easy. I’ve had a lot of kicks but I’ve only known one way and that’s to keep on going,” Mr Trigg said.
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Trigger powers to 102 (Mercy Health)
