Metro tracks added to memorial in honour of war hero on VJ Day

As Britain remembered on the 81st anniversary of VJ Day, the latest poignant sculpture by celebrated artist Ray Lonsdale was added to in South Shields.

Depicting Sunderland POW Len Gibson, who passed away aged 101 in 2021 and inspired so many in his long life, the piece was installed during a moving ceremony last year in North Marine Park.

Now, for VJ Day 2026, August 15, it has been added to with 10 metres of Metro track and sleepers donated by Nexus.

The tribute commemorates World War Two veteran Len Gibson, alongside 60,000 other Allied prisoners who were forced to build the “Death Railway” between Thailand and Myanmar – formerly Burma – between 1942 and 1943.

The tracks form a poignant new feature with the statue, which was commissioned in 2025 by local philanthropist Brian Burnie – a close friend of Mr Gibson.

The statue depicts veteran Len Gibson BEM at the time of his liberation handing his home-made guitar to a young local boy as a symbol of peace and forgiveness.

Len, who went on to be a much-loved teacher in Sunderland, played the guitar to entertain his fellow prisoners of war. If you look carefully, you can see the small amount of money Len earned rolled-up inside for the child.

The track was installed by a team from Metro operator Nexus as part of a volunteer day, where staff support good causes and social value projects.

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “This is a fantastic and particularly poignant social value project. We are honoured to be a part of it.

“The used Metro tracks have created a stunning new memorial for British troops who served in the Far East during World War Two, and it really complements the Len Gibson statue that Mr Burnie unveiled at North Marine Park last year.

“The use of the Metro rails and sleepers is especially moving, given that British prisoners of war, including Len Gibson, were forced to build the “Death Railway” between Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma), from 1942 to 1943.

“By re-using these items in this way, it supports our own commitment to work sustainably in everything that we do, while helping the voluntary sector where we can.

“Our Infrastructure Works Delivery Team have done an amazing job putting in the track during their volunteer day.”

Mr Burnie said: “I’m really grateful for the support we’ve has from Nexus on this project. I can’t thank them enough for the rails and their efforts to install the track.

“The finished memorial looms amazing. It’s a poignant commemoration for all the British soldiers who served in the far east during the war. We will always remember them.”

Mr Burnie, who founded the cancer charity Daft as a Brush, commissioned the Len Gibson statue to pay tribute to his “wonderful” friend.

Mr Burnie’s Daft as a Brush Patient Care specialises in transporting cancer patients to and from hospital for Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy treatment, free of charge.

It was selected by Nexus employees in 2024 as the organisation’s chosen charity and their collective fundraising efforts raised £10,000.