D-Day veteran's 'unforgettable' 100th birthday

Councillors Kevin Guy and Karen Walker presented tokens to Stan Ford to mark his 'remarkable life and achievements'

A World War Two veteran who served aboard HMS Fratton during the Normandy campaign and suffered serious injuries has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Stan Ford, a long-time resident of Bath and survivor of the D-Day landings, was honoured on Saturday at a community gathering in Keynsham Masonic Hall.

Mr Ford suffered a fractured spine and injuries to both legs when the ship was hit by a torpedo and sunk off the coast of Normandy on 18 August 1944.

The attack saw 31 people lose their lives, while 38 crew members survived.

'Remarkable'

Mr Ford continued to be active in efforts to commemorate those who served in the war.

He was named an Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial in 2022, and his image featured in a life-sized banner as part of the Standing With Giants project.

The banner is being displayed at The Guildhall in Bath to coincide with national events marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The centenary celebration was attended by family, friends, and local officials, including Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, and Councillor Karen Walker, Chair of the Council.

They presented Mr Ford with a Bath Aqua Glass paperweight as a gesture of recognition for his military service and continued community involvement.

Councillor Walker described the milestone as "a truly remarkable achievement" and acknowledged Ford's contributions over the years.

Councillor Guy called the event "a special and unforgettable celebration."

Mr Ford's 100th birthday was marked not only as a personal milestone but also as an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of veterans and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.

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