A Royal Navy Warrant Officer (WO) from Camborne has been awarded an MBE during an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

WO Natasha Pulley (née Bassett) received her medal from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

Her award was announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2019 and recognises WO Pulley’s extensive voluntary work along, her selfless determination, loyalty and drive during her career spanning five decades.

WO Pulley said: “I feel totally overwhelmed by the nomination and the experience at the Palace. I just try to do my job and to help those around me, whether Service or civilian personnel. It was amazing to be recognised amongst so many inspirational people.”

The former pupil of Pool Comprehensive School is currently serving at HMS Raleigh as the head of the establishment’s PT department. This is her second appointment to the role.

She joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in 1987 as a radar operator. WO Pulley passed her PT aptitude test two years later and completed her PT qualifying course at HMS Temeraire in 1990. Since then she has served all over the UK, including two postings to the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose.

WO Pulley has represented the Navy at cross country, athletics and has also taken part in the Royal Navy’s annual Field Gun Competition. She became the first female member to run in the event in 1990. To continue her Field Gun journey, she became the first female to take charge of a crew as ‘number one’ trainer, leading HMS Raleigh to success in 2015.

Throughout her career WO Pulley has raised money and supported numerous charities. She has generously given up her time to benefit service children, local schools, the homeless and the elderly in the region.

WO Pulley was re-appointed to HMS Raleigh last September and has also served at the Cornish training base in the rank of Leading Hand, Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer.