Zoe Cannell was recently raised to the chair of the Manx Bard. Each month, she will share a poem with us, and explain what led her to write it.

Of the fantastic opportunities afforded to me as the Manx Bard, surely meeting and talking to Hector Duff is one of the best.

I sat at his feet, and could have spent many more hours listening to him, but was conscious he’d just had a hospital spell and his tea would soon be ready! It made me wish I’d spent more time with my own grandparents and parents asking them about their experiences, especially in World War II.

I thank Mr Duff for giving his time to share his fascinating life history with me, and for inspiring me to write a poem to celebrate his milestone birthday.

A Century of Adventure

1919 in Sulby – a Century of Adventure began

For Hector Duff: A remarkable and heroic Manx man.

A boy raised down North; in St Stephen’s baptised.

At the local school attended, but at twelve was advised

To follow the calling of the sea, like his father afore.

On ‘Indefatigable’ Hector trained for three years before

Sailing Blue Funnel cruises to the Mediterranean.

“A good job in summer. Winter not quite so much fun!”

Hector returned to his homeland; a crook took in hand

At The Creggans and Crammag, tending sheep on the land.

Enjoying herrin’ and puddin’! Railways, too, worked upon

Between St John’s and Ramsey – The Northern Line, alas gone.

1939 would transform the fate of how this globe fared.

‘This country is at war with Germany’, sadly declared.

Hector enlisted at the Town Hall in Peel and then “spent

A night in Douglas; not knowing where in the world I’d be sent…”

Twelve weeks’ training; then driving tanks, desperate to gain

Northern Africa: fighting the Battle of El Alamein.

Seventh Armoured Division - ‘The Desert Rats’ – where he’d be

For long months as they struggled to control Tripoli.

The D-Day landings in Hector’s thoughts stay lastingly.

“Well I had been to Glen Wyllin, but never Normandy.”

With Major-General Hinde, on landing-craft waited to advance

Upon instruction to head to the Coastline of France.

Landed on Gold Beach. Armoured vehicles, with them they brought

For onward warfare. For many days, troops bravely fought.

Outstanding courage and strength showed through times of such threat

And Hector recalled: “What I saw there I’ll never forget…”

War finally won, reputation Hector had gained,

So was asked to stay on; in broken Germany remained.

Serving King and Country he’d learned fine skills, of course -

Put them to use in thirty years in the Manx Police Force

Rising to Sergeant and, with that, major events overseen,

Like chauffeuring royal visits including HM The Queen!

As a driving instructor, on ‘mystery tours’ was led…

“Oh, amusing stories arose from that job!” he said.

“When you’ve manoeuvred tanks in the desert, you are

Able to cope with scared learners behind the wheel of a car!”

Since ‘retirement’, using that word in the loosest of ways

As Hector’s hecticer than ever, and has offered his days

To help the community, particularly honouring those lost -

Preserving local memorials, mourning wars’ heavy cost.

Talking tirelessly within schools and teaching to ensure

Lessons are learned from horrific conflict he’d had to endure.

Truly marvellous achievements in Hector’s 100-year story

Honoured by the French, presented with Legion D’honneur glory

Received The Tynwald Honour, Military Medal, a BEM too,

Made a Freeman of Douglas, granted to mere worthy few.

Friends and family travelled with him on his journey of life -

Children Marjorie?, Colin, Tony; and Gladys, his dear late wife.

Happy Birthday Great man – have delightful celebrations

At Government House. Cake! Champagne! Congratulations!

For you – the whole Island raises a toast glad and loud:

To your ‘Century of Adventure’ – lived in a way to be proud.

In tribute, Major-General Hinde once said “I won’t forget

Hector Duff. The bravest man I’ve ever met…”

by Zoe Cannell

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