Remembrance Day: John C. Ford

When we remember the Second World War, we often think of the battles fought in Europe, the pilots who defended Britain, and the soldiers who stormed the beaches. But for many servicemen, the end of a battle did not mean the end of their suffering.

John C. Ford was a Second World War veteran from Newfoundland.  He was born on March 25, 1919, in Port aux Basques. In May 1940, he volunteered and enlisted in the Royal Air Force, serving as a flight engineer during the Battle of Britain. This crucial air campaign helped prevent Germany from gaining control of the skies over Britain.

In 1941, John was posted to Singapore. The war in the Pacific was becoming increasingly dangerous, and in 1942 he was taken prisoner. He would spend nearly four years in captivity, enduring brutal forced labour before the war ended.

Think about that for a moment. While families at home waited and worried, John endured years of uncertainty, separated from his home and the people he loved. Prisoners of war faced difficult conditions, fear, and the constant question of whether they would ever see home again.

On August 9th, 1945, John witnessed the destruction of Nagasaki by the atomic bomb. He had survived the Battle of Britain, the fall of Singapore, and years as a prisoner of war, only to witness one of the most devastating events of the conflict.

When he returned home, John later devoted time to veterans’ organizations and spoke to young people about the experiences of those who served. His efforts helped ensure that the next generation would understand the cost of war. He made it his lifelong mission to condemn the horror and devastation and travelled to numerous schools in the province, speaking to students about the terrible consequences of war. He was a strong proponent of the recognition of all veterans and served in many capacities with the Royal Canadian Legion.

He lived in the St. John's/Mount Pearl area and was invested in the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2012. He received a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation and was the subject of Jack Fitzgerald's memoir, The Jack Ford Story: The Newfoundlander in Nagasaki. John Ford died on September 24, 2013, at age 94.

I believe John’s story reminds us that courage is not always found in a single moment on a battlefield. Sometimes it is found in the strength to survive, rebuild a life, and share difficult memories so others can understand.

This Remembrance Day, let us remember John Ford and all those who endured years of captivity and returned home carrying memories few could imagine.

Lest we forget.