During his service he crewed the RAF launch that set a record in the crossing from Ceylon to Singapore - no mean feat - and he was also based in Japan. He was awarded the Cyprus & Malaya medal and the Korean medal for his service.

Dave joined 'Old Boys' in 1959 playing for the 1st XV at full back and later in the second row - that's were his ears blossomed into the fine pair he developed!

He was the founder of the famous '4th' team and held a waiting list of players who wanted to join the side.

In later years at the 'new' club at Mayfield Park, he coached and developed a fine group of Colts and one of his players, Mick Shipley, went on to play for England Colts.

When Dave started his coaching he addressed all the lads and told them how he would 'run things and if any one didn't go along with his methods they should leave immediately!'.

After retirement from his position at the club he took up walking the entire coast of Britain (not all at once).

Following his return to his hometown Bridlington, Dave developed problems with his legs which unfortunately led to below knee amputation of both legs, requiring him to move on to Scarborough into Sheltered Accommodation.

Despite this over these past 20 years and more he has lived as independent as he could. Those who knew Dave know how he didn't let things beat him and he focused on what he wanted.

Over this past year his health deteriorated due to a stroke and he spent time in hospital and then a nursing home.

But his determination get home saw him discharge himself after one night in care accommodation, thanking the staff on the way out the next morning on the way back to his flat.

He was a true Yorkshire man, a great friend to all and an inspiration to 'Hartlepool Old Boys'.