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WWII Hero Dies at 100 After D-Day Survival
8 Feb
Summary
- Veteran Stan Ford, 100, survived WWII D-Day landings.
- He suffered life-changing injuries on HMS Fratton in 1944.
- Ford became an ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial.
World War II veteran Stan Ford, a D-Day survivor, has passed away at the age of 100. Ford endured the historic Normandy landings and later suffered severe injuries when his ship, HMS Fratton, was attacked off the coast of Normandy in August 1944.
As a teenager, Ford also contributed during the Blitz and served in the Home Guard. His service in the war saw him on HMS Fratton, which was stationed off Selsey Bill on D-Day. The ship was rocked by a major explosion on August 18, 1944, which resulted in the deaths of 31 crew members and left Ford with a broken spine.
Following his service, Ford became a dedicated ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial. In this role, he worked to honor the more than 20,000 servicemen and women who perished during the D-Day and Normandy campaigns. He also engaged with primary school children, sharing his experiences and emphasizing the importance of peace.
Ford was recognized for his profound service and courage, including meeting King Charles in June 2024 at an event marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He was remembered for keeping the memory of his fallen comrades alive.
