A plaque has been placed in Douglas in memory of Normandy veteran Hector Duff.

Mr Duff, who died in November 2020 aged 101, took part in the D-Day landings while he fought in the Second World War.

Tony Duff, Hector’s son, unveiled the plaque on what would have been his 102nd birthday, surrounded by family and friends on the corner of Lord Street and Ridgeway Street by the George Formby statue.

He said: ’It’s been a lot of time and energy on a few people’s parts, trying to organise for people to do it.

’I saw it for the first time the day before it was unveiled and I was really happy with it, it looks really great.’

When asked why it was decided to put up a plaque, Mr Duff felt it was ’only right’ to remember him physically.

He continued: ’He died last year and we were thinking we’ve got to do something and other people were saying "you’ve got to do something to remember him physically" rather than just remembering him.

’It’s more permanent this way.

’I had a word with a couple of the councillors to try and get something in place.’

A number of people watched the unveiling, including family, friends, members of the public, councillors and the Mayor and Mayoress of Douglas.

’It’s a good turnout.

’A lot of them are family but there’s a couple of councillors and a lot of friends.

’It’s nice to see so many people, it’s amazing.’

Mr Duff felt his father had left a mark on the people of the Isle of Man.

He continued: ’He’s leaving a big legacy.

’You’ve only got to go to Ramsey Grammar School and see the Hector Duff study room there with a big fancy picture of him.

’We thought if something couldn’t happen, then fine, but it did which was good.’

The plaque included an image of Hector Duff as well as his name, honours and roles.

’It’s nice to have his face on it as well, a face to a name. They were just going to put the wording on but I asked if there was any chance of putting the picture on as well,’ Mr Duff added.

Born in Sulby in 1919, Hector Duff worked on the island’s railways before leaving to fight in World War Two at the age of 19.

He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the second Battle of El-Alamein.

He served in the Isle of Man Constabulary after he returned to the island.

During his retirement, he visited schools to share his experiences.

He said of this: ’I only ever wanted to help people understand war. I just hope that in future years, children will continue to be as keen as they are now to learn about the wars.’

Mr Duff collected an OBE from former Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney which added to other awards bestowed on him include the Military Medal for bravery, the British Empire Medal and the Tynwald Honour.

He was also awarded the French Legion d’honneur in 2014.