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Hector Duff: Crowds honour Isle of Man D-Day veteran

BBC Floral tribute spelling Hector in from of Onchan war memorialBBC
Floral tributes were laid to Hector Duff at the war memorial in Onchan

Hundreds of people on the Isle of Man have paid their respects to Normandy veteran Hector Duff, who died last month aged 101.

He who took part in the D-Day landings and fought in North Africa with the Desert Rats during World War Two.

Mourners lined the streets in Onchan for his funeral procession, which was led by members of the constabulary.

A celebration of his life was held at the Villa Marina in Douglas and was attended by more than 200 people.

Portrait of Hector Duff on display at the Villa Marina
Mr Duff died last month at the age of 101

Former Archdeacon of Man Brian Partington led the service, which featured speeches from his family and students of Ramsey Grammar School.

A bagpiper playing Ellan Vannin led out a procession of standards to begin the ceremony, while members of Onchan Silver Band performed.

Mr Partington said Mr Duff had "respect for everybody" and through his wartime experiences had "learned about the need for peace and reconciliation".

People lining the street in Onchan clapping
People in Onchan paid their respects by applauding as the funeral cortege passed by

Born in Sulby in 1919, Mr Duff worked on the island's railways before being called up to fight in World War Two aged 19.

He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the second Battle of El-Alamein and his 7th Armoured Division arrived in Normandy for the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, continuing through France and into Germany before taking part in the Berlin Victory Parade.

He joined the Isle of Man Constabulary following his return to the island and in his retirement, he visited schools to share his wartime experiences.

People attending a service at the Villa Marina
A service celebrating Hector Duff's life was held at the Villa Marina
Medals accompanying the coffin
Mr Duff was awarded many medals for his service in World War Two, including the Military Medal for bravery
Tribute at Onchan war memorial
Many groups, including Onchan District Commissions, paid tribute
Mourners outside St Peter's Church in Onchan
Mourners at Mr Duff's funeral included the Lieutenant Governor and the chief minister
Police motorcyclist leading the hearse
The funeral procession was led by members of the Isle of Man Constabulary roads policing unit
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