Background
Ford was born in Galashiels in September, 1918. He was a son of Mr. and Mistress Douglas Ford, of 25 Bryce Avenue, Portobello.
Ford was born in Galashiels in September, 1918. He was a son of Mr. and Mistress Douglas Ford, of 25 Bryce Avenue, Portobello.
He was educated at the Royal High School, Edinburgh.
His citation was published in the London Gazette on 18 March 1946. A keen sportsman, excelling in rugby and cricket, he rose to school captain in 1936. He was 20, and on part-time studies at Edinburgh University for chartered accountancy, when he joined the Royal Scots at the outbreak of war.
This was the first time that two brothers in the regiment had served together in Hong Kong.
During his captivity at Sham Shui Po Prisoner Of War camp he made contact with British agents and planned, in conjunction with other officers, a major break out. Before the plans could be put into operation the Japanese grew suspicious and interrogated him and others they suspected of involvement.
Despite torture in Stanley Prison, starvation and a sentence of death he refused to betray his comrades. After being forced to dig his own grave he was executed by Japanese firing squad, at Big Wave Bay on the 18th of December 1943, with two fellow prisoners, Colonel Lanceray Arthur Newnham, Medical Corps, the Middlesex Regiment, and Flight Lieutenant Hector Bertram Gray, Royal Air Force.
He is buried in Stanley Prison cemetery.
The citation noted:
King George VI approved the award "in recognition of the most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner."
Captain Ford is buried in Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong, grave reference 1.B.41.
A member of the university O.T.C., he was commissioned, and posted to Hong Kong.