War hero Hector Duff is back in his Onchan home following a few nights stay at Noble’s Hospital.

The 99-year-old, who will celebrate his milestone birthday next month, was admitted after paramedics found him short of breath at his address and later discovered he had a chest infection.

He was discharged on Wednesday night (September 18).

’I’m still here!’ he told the Courier yesterday (Thursday). ’I’m doing a lot better. I’m like an old car - anything can go wrong at this age.’

The Second World War veteran, who fought on D-Day in Normandy in 1944, thanks those who supported him with messages and visits.

He said: ’The support was amazing! I didn’t know so many people knew me. I had many cards, letters and emails.’

The Royal British Legion’s Onchan branch first told the public that its president, Mr Duff, was admitted to hospital on Friday last week.

Born in Sulby, Mr Duff joined the war effort when he was 19 years old. He served in the 7th Armoured Division - known as the Desert Rats - from 1940 to 1945.

He received a citation and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery for his war effort.

Mr Duff resumed his previous career as a railway worker when he returned to the island, before serving in the Isle of Man constabulary for 30 years and later as a driving instructor.

On his retirement he has dedicated himself to ensure the memory of the war and the lives it took are remembered.

When he was aged 95 he was awarded the Tynwald Honour, while serving as chairman of the Normandy Veterans’ Association, chairman of the Joint Ex-Service Association, a member of the Isle of Man Government Armed Forces Day Committee, a member of the War Pensions Committee, and as a member of the committee of the Police Benevolent Fund.

He was also involved in the work of the Royal British Legion and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families’ Association, of which he is still involved in today.