Two people from the island have been recognised in the New Year honours.

War hero Hector Duff is to be given an OBE, while a leading figure in the island’s Ship Register, Dick Welsh, gets an MBE.

At the age of 100, Mr Duff still talks to school children of the Isle of Man about war and peace to ensure that those who have fought in war are not forgotten.

Pivotal to the island’s commemorations of the centenary of the end of the First World War, in 2018 Mr Duff presented ’Tommy Soldier’ silhouettes and took centre stage at the ’Schools Remember’ events organised in Onchan, where he now lives, and elsewhere.

In June 2019, as one of the few surviving D-Day veterans, Mr Duff led the Isle of Man’s commemorations of 75 years since the Normandy campaign.

Mr Duff was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery for his war service. He has since been recognised with the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his support to education in 2013 and the Tynwald Honour in 2014.

He was born in Sulby in 1919. He was working on the Isle of Man Railways when, at the age of 19, he called up to fight in the Second World War. Mr Duff served in the 7th Armoured Division (known as the Desert Rats) from 1940 to 1945.

His time in service took him across Europe and Northern Africa, taking part in the battles of El-Alamein in 1942 and the invasion of Italy in 1943.

Mr Duff’s division was in Normandy on the afternoon of D-Day, and they continued through France and into Germany, taking part in the Victory Parade in Berlin.

His service continued in Germany after the end of war, where he was involved in the early work of the Nuremberg Trials.

For his war service he received a citation and was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery.

On his return to the Isle of Man Mr Duff briefly resumed his career as a railway worker, before joining the police where he served for 30 years.

He subsequently worked as a driving instructor.

As director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry, Dick Welsh was the driving force behind building its reputation.

The island’s Ship Register is said to be recognised globally for exceptionally high standards and quality of service.

In announcing he was receiving the MBE, Government House said: ’He has been an excellent ambassador for the Isle of Man, in roles ranging from conference speaker to inspector of ships under construction at foreign shipyards.

’His personal interest and dedication to the highest safety standards inspired confidence in his team and clients around the world.’

What is an OBE?

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is the fourth rank in the level of seniority in the Order of the British Empire.

The OBE is awarded to individuals who have been recognised as having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

What is an MBE?

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is the rank fifth in the level of seniority in the Order of the British Empire.

The MBE is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community.