Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid has made a tragic death announcement, with tributes pouring in.
On Monday’s (February 9) episode of the ITV morning show, Susanna and her co-host Ed Balls kept viewers informed of the latest news from across the UK and globally.
Later in the programme, regular contributors Kevin Maguire and Sarah Vine joined Susanna and Ed to discuss the day’s top stories. As the segment drew to a close, Susanna shared news of the death of Stan Ford, a D-Day veteran who lived to be 100.
“Can we talk about an actual hero before we let you go? This is Stan Ford, who survived the D-Day landings, has died at the age of 100. I’m afraid that veterans are reaching that age, aren’t they?” Susanna remarked, reports the Mirror.
“Stan Ford was on HMS Fratton, an escort ship, on the day of the D-Day landings, and the gun tower exploded – he almost drowned.”
She continued, “He’s an absolutely remarkable individual. [He] served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, later became an ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial, [and] regularly returned to France to honour fallen soldiers by keeping their memory alive.
“He was 19 years old on that day, suffered a fractured spine, injuries to both legs, and the ship sank. He was blown off it, but was pulled from the water by a rescue boat after a skipper shouted, ‘That man’s alive! Get him out!'”
Reflecting on his experiences during a 2024 appearance on GMB, Stan shared: “I often ask myself, ‘Why me?’ when there are so many that didn’t survive. It was just so [remarkable], going over the side in a big gun turret, and I survived, came to the top and floated and sort of swam until a rescue craft came by and got me from the water.”
Susanna confirmed the tragic loss of 39 lives in the attack, commenting: “It gives you the chills, doesn’t it, when you listen.”
Kevin added: “You feel something in your throat. ‘Why me?’ That survivor’s guilt. He endured what’s unimaginable to most of us. I remember the First World War generation passing away 15, 20 years ago, and we’re going through that again.
“I think we will lose something when they’ve all gone because they were the very best of us. They remember a time when people put their own lives on the line to save others so we will be free.”
Wrapping up the segment, Susanna said: “Well said, and thank you, Stan Ford, for your service, and our love to your family and friends.”
The Normandy Memorial Trust also expressed their sorrow at the news of Stan’s passing, stating they were “deeply saddened”. Their tribute continued: “We were so fortunate that he visited the memorial multiple times, all thanks to the support of the Spirit of Normandy Trust.
“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.”
