British D-Day Veteran Stan Ford Passes Away at Age 100
Stan Ford, a British D-Day veteran from Bath who survived the famous Normandy landings and a catastrophic attack on his naval ship, has died at the remarkable age of 100. His life was defined by profound service and courage, and he dedicated his later years to keeping alive the memory of his fallen comrades.
Early Service and Wartime Ordeal
As a teenager during the Blitz in Bristol, Mr Ford worked as a runner delivering messages for air raid wardens, later serving in the Home Guard. During the Second World War, he served on HMS Fratton, which escorted ships returning people to the UK and was stationed off Selsey Bill on the south coast during D-Day.
On August 18, 1944, HMS Fratton was rocked by a major explosion off the coast of Normandy, believed to be from a German midget submarine. The blast threw Mr Ford, along with his gun platform, into the water. Tragically, 31 crew members perished in the attack, while 38 survived.
Mr Ford was pulled from the sea with a broken spine and taken to a field hospital on Gold Beach. He had to walk with leg callipers for the remainder of his life, a lasting reminder of his sacrifice.
Post-War Dedication to Remembrance
After his military service, Stan Ford became a passionate ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial. In this role, he worked tirelessly to honour the more than 20,000 servicemen and women who died on D-Day and during the broader Normandy campaign.
He actively supported fundraising and awareness efforts for an education centre at the memorial site in Normandy. Mr Ford also met King Charles in June 2024 at an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, highlighting his enduring connection to national remembrance.
Beyond official duties, he gave talks to primary school children, sharing his experiences and emphasising the importance of avoiding future conflicts. His community remembers him as someone who "kept alive the memory of his fallen comrades" with unwavering dedication.
Tributes from Organisations and Personal Reflections
The Normandy Memorial Trust expressed deep sadness at his passing, extending condolences to his daughters Lorraine and Julie, and all family and friends. In a tribute, they stated: "We were so fortunate that he visited the Memorial multiple times... He dedicated himself to keeping alive the memory of his fallen comrades and was a true friend of the Memorial."
The Taxi Charity For Military Veterans honoured him, saying: "Today we honour a man who reached the incredible milestone of 100 years, but more importantly, a man who lived a life of profound service and courage." They noted his legacy of unwavering strength through his work with the Bristol Normandy Veterans and as a memorial ambassador.
In 2024, after the Royal British Legion's march past the Cenotaph, Mr Ford reflected: "It's always a great honour to be back on occasions like this but I remember the guys that never came home on my ship when it was torpedoed. They never came home, and I always feel it's my duty to put in an appearance and thank God for those that did survive, and to pray for the ones who didn't." He added gratitude for surviving the sinking, stating he thanked God daily for not being strapped in during the attack.
Stan Ford's life of service, from his early days in the Blitz to his decades of remembrance advocacy, leaves a lasting legacy of courage and commitment. As tributes pour in, his community and nation mourn the loss of a true hero who embodied the spirit of sacrifice and memory.
