A memorial service was yesterday held to remember the eight people killed in the 1940 bombing of Duff House.
The event took place at the Banff mansion where the tragedy happened on the morning of July 22, 1940.
The stately house was bombed by a German plane that flew over from Nazi-occupied Norway.
Two bombs hit the east wing of the property causing the deaths of six German prisoners and two British guards.
Germans Hermann Ackermann, Rudolf Bopp, Heinz Heymann, Conrad Marschall, Gunter Nordhausen, Kurt Redieck, and Britons Thaoms Blakey and George James lost their lives.
Many more were injured while in the building which was being used as a prisoner of war camp. The east wing was later demolished.
The prisoners were moved from Duff House and it later became a base for other regiments.
Yesterday the Friends of Duff House group unveiled a bronze plaque memorial which now sits alongside the remains of the foundations of the east wing.
The event included a special exhibition along with a talk for members of the public attending.
The Royal Navy, German Consul, Banffshire Lieutenancy, Banff Pipe Band and Royal British Legion all took part in the memorial.
The occasion was also been marked with the release of a book called Out of the Blue which contains detailed research of the incident.
Jim Mackay of the Friends of Duff House group said some of the people killed in the bombing were initially buried in the area but were later reburied in England.
He said: “I’m delighted with how it has gone – it’s exactly 78 years to the day the service has taken place.
“It was good to see so many people out to commemorate the event, it’s such a moving experience to remember them.”
‘A great way to remember the events’
Those in attendance at the events in Duff House yesterday were treated to music and a service to remember the dead and injured.
Banff Castle Pipe Band performed to the crowd and marched to the memorial site where the service was held.
The Banff Parish Church choir and organist were also part of the ceremony which began with a march in of the flags.
In attendance were many groups including the Royal British Legion, the Army Cadet Force, the Royal Navy, the German Consul General Peter Voss and his family, the vice Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Roger Goodyear, Naval Regional Commander Gary Mills and representatives from Aberdeenshire Council.
The event, led by the Friends of Duff House group, was an occasion for mourning and remembrance.
Banffshire and Buchan coast SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “One of the little known pieces of local history is being celebrated today, so I’m delighted in particular to see representatives from the German government to mourn the losses.
“The initiative by the Friends of Duff House is something I am very much for and today is a great way to remember the events.”
Councillor John Cox said: “Duff House is a phenomenal building and the estate, along with its grounds, is a massive asset to tourism and as a local attraction.
“Not just the house and grounds are important, every building on this land has its own history and past.
“It’s fantastic to see people here today and there’s so much more we can add to the history of Banff from this building.”
