The passing of Stan Ford, a revered D-Day veteran from Bath who reached the remarkable age of 100, has been announced with profound sadness. Mr Ford, who sustained life-altering injuries during the Second World War, devoted his later years to ensuring the sacrifices of his fellow servicemen and women were never forgotten.
A Life Defined by Service and Remembrance
Stan Ford's wartime experience was forever marked by the tragic events of 18 August 1944. Serving aboard the HMS Fratton off the Normandy coast, he was aboard the vessel when it was struck and sunk, widely believed to have been attacked by a midget submarine. The explosion that claimed the ship blasted Mr Ford into the sea along with the gun platform he was operating.
Thirty-one crew members perished in the attack, with thirty-eight others, including Ford, surviving the harrowing ordeal. Rescued from the water and taken to a field hospital on Gold Beach, he endured lasting physical consequences, requiring leg callipers to walk and suffering a spinal fracture from the force of the blast.
An Unwavering Ambassador for Remembrance
In the decades that followed, Stan Ford transformed his personal trauma into a powerful force for commemoration. He became a dedicated ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial, playing a crucial role in honouring the memory of more than 22,442 servicemen and women who lost their lives during the D-Day landings and the subsequent Normandy campaign.
The Normandy Memorial Trust paid heartfelt tribute, stating they were "deeply saddened" by his death. In their statement, they highlighted his commitment: "He dedicated himself to keeping alive the memory of his fallen comrades and was a true friend of the Memorial." The Trust extended sincere condolences to his daughters, Lorraine and Julie, and to all his family and friends.
A Legacy of Courage and Community
Mr Ford's dedication extended beyond the national memorial. He was actively involved with the Bristol Normandy Veterans group and was a familiar and respected figure at commemorative events. In 2024, he was photographed meeting King Charles, underscoring the respect he commanded. Following a Royal British Legion march past the Cenotaph that same year, he reflected on his motivation, saying: "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... 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."
The Taxi Charity For Military Veterans also honoured him, describing Stan Ford as a "man who lived a life of profound service and courage." Their tribute noted: "A survivor of the sinking of HMS Fratton in 1944, Stan spent his life keeping the memory of his 31 fallen comrades alive... Stan's legacy is one of unwavering strength."
Stan Ford's passing marks the loss of a direct link to one of history's most pivotal moments. His life story—from the horrors of the Normandy coast to decades of dignified remembrance—ensures that the legacy of his generation, and particularly those who did not return, endures for generations to come.
