Stan Ford RIP

Stan Ford, a royal navy veteran who took part in the D-Day landings and survived the sinking of his ship not long after has died at the age of 100.

Stan, who was born in Bristol and later lived in Bath, celebrated his 100th birthday in May 2025, at a party attended by family, friends, and local officials.












Above: Stan Ford (centre) at his 100th birthday celebration


Ford served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and, at the age of 19, was serving was aboard HMS Fratton when it was torpedoed off the coast of Normandy in August 1944. 

HMS Fratton was an escort ship assigned to accompany ships taking men and supplies across the Channel on D-Day and afterwards.

The impact of the explosion from the torpedo which sank her was so severe that the gun platform Stan Ford was operating was blown off the ship and into the sea, with him still on it.

He suffered a fractured spine and injuries to both legs when the ship was sunk in 1944, leaving him with lifelong injuries.

He was pulled from the water by a rescue boat after a skipper shouted "that man's alive, get him out".

The torpedo attack cost 31 brave men their lives, while 38 crew members survived.

Ford later became an ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial and regularly returned to France to honour fallen soldiers by keeping their memory alive.

His role involved raising funds and awareness for an education centre on the site of the memorial, ensuring that future generations will never forget those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

The Normandy Memorial Trust said it was "deeply saddened" to share the news of his passing.

"We were so fortunate that he visited the memorial multiple times, all thanks to the support of Spirit of Normandy Trust," they wrote.

"He dedicated himself to keeping alive the memory of his fallen comrades and was a true friend of the memorial. Stan, we will miss you."

Richard Palusinski, chairman of the Spirit of Normandy Trust, said of the many veterans they support, there was something "extra special" about Ford.

"Stan was the sort of person who attracted people to love him for what he was," Palusinski told the BBC.

"His personality, his love of life, and the fact that he never let the injuries that he took in the war diminish his sense of humour or enthusiasm."

Palusinski said each time they went back to Normandy, Ford insisted upon visiting his shipmates who were laid to rest at Ryes Cemetery, to "pay them due homage".

"What we need to do is look back at the amazing things that he was able to achieve, and celebrate his life," Palusinski added. "He will be missed by all."

Rest in Peace.

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