Stan Ford, a veteran of the D-Day landings who spent decades honouring fallen comrades, has died at the age of 100.
Mr Ford, from Bath, survived the Second World War after suffering severe injuries while serving aboard HMS Fratton. The ship was sunk off the coast of Normandy on 18 August 1944, an attack believed to have been carried out by a midget submarine. Thirty-one crew members lost their lives, while 38 survived the explosion.
During the incident, Mr Ford was blown into the sea along with the gun platform he was operating. He was rescued and taken to a field hospital on Gold Beach. The blast left him with a fractured spine and permanent mobility issues, requiring him to walk with leg callipers for the rest of his life.
Despite these challenges, Mr Ford dedicated himself to ensuring the memory of those who died was never forgotten. He became an ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial, which commemorates more than 22,000 servicemen and women who died on D-Day and during the Normandy campaign. He also remained closely involved with veteran groups and remembrance events.
Tributes described him as a man of courage, service, and quiet strength. He often spoke about his duty to represent those who did not return home, saying their sacrifice guided his actions throughout his life. Mr Ford is survived by his daughters, family, and friends, who remember him as a committed veteran whose legacy will endure through remembrance and education.
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