Manx National Heritage has paid tribute to naval historian Professor Eric Grove, who died recently.

Professor Groves’ detailed knowledge spanned every era from the years of sail into the nuclear age, MNH says.

In 2014 he gave an informed and well received lecture about the role of HMS Ben my Chree (a former Steam Packet vessel) as a sea-plane carrier in the First World War, as part of a series presented by MNH on various aspects of the First World War.

He also gave a number of lectures on behalf of the Quilliam group and in 2018 performed the honours in formally opening the Manx Museum’s Mann at War gallery.

A spokesman for MNH said: ’Always affable and ever willing to help, he wore his tremendous knowledge lightly, even though he was frequently able to lecture without notes. He, and his trademark bow tie, will be sadly missed.’