Private Ben Ford

Private Ben Ford, aged 18 from Chesterfield, joined the Army on 29 July 2005, and completed his training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick before arriving at the 1st Battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment on 20 February 2006, in Hounslow, West London. During his time with the Battalion he conducted public duties and pre-deployment training for the current operational tour. This was his first overseas deployment with the Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) said:

"Private Ford was a tremendous young soldier. Fit and enthusiastic, hardworking and committed to his comrades and a career in the Army. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten by all those who had the honour to serve alongside him."

Major Paul "Shove" Gilby, Officer Commanding C Company said:

"Private Ben "Fordy" Ford joined his local regiment the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters in July 2005 in his home town, Chesterfield. A proud "Chessie Boy" he served alongside his school friends, Newbold mates and Midland lads. This was his first operational tour of duty in Afghanistan and one that he relished. He was proud to be member of a close knit team, company and family regiment.

"Young on paper, at the age of only 18; however in life he was mature beyond his years in attitude, bearing and ability. On initial impressions he could come across as a quiet individual but to those who knew him, he had a keen sense of humour and was always willing to get stuck into the action. He proved this by volunteering to compete in the Battalion boxing competition where he fought with skill, style and dogged determination.

"With his pale skin and fair hair he always battled to avoid sunburn in the scorching heat of Afghanistan but would generally end up looking like a lolly pop. Forever on his mobile phone in Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow, he was a friend to all with a constant smile and always up for the crack and practical jokes. Fordy’s main passions were driving, games, big beers and boxing.

"The lines and company are quiet with thoughts and prayers for Fordy who will be missed for his professional attitude and practical jokes. A close friend to some, a great lad to many, he will not be forgotten. God Bless."

Second Lieutenant Jack Bellfield, his Platoon Commander said:

"Ben was a very capable member of my platoon who had the ability to go a long way in the Army. Due to his age he had bounds of enthusiasm for anything the platoon embarked on and this quality will be missed by everybody who served with him."

Private Scott Barber, a close friend said:

"I first met Private Ben "Fordy" Ford when we returned from Cyprus in March 2006. We all went out for a drink and we've been mates ever since. At weekends we would go out around the town in Chesterfield and almost instantly all my mates were Fordy's mates, he was such a likeable bloke. He was always up for a laugh, the life and soul of any party.

"My thoughts are with his family and girlfriend Tasha at this sad time. Fordy was a close friend and a career soldier in a job he loved, he will be missed by me and all that knew him."

Private Michael Verney, also a good friend, said:

"Fordy was a constant source of morale and the instigator of all platoon pranks. As one of the younger blokes in the platoon his fun loving personality along with his ambition and determination made him a friend who will be greatly missed."

Private Ford's family said:

"We are immensely proud of our son and know that he lost his life doing something he was proud to be a part of and that he loved. We now ask that our privacy is fully respected at this very difficult time."

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said:

"Private Wright and Private Ford were two talented and committed soldiers whose loss will be felt keenly by all who knew them. Their families and colleagues are in my thoughts at this painful time, as are all of our forces facing danger on operations."