Military bugler honours Sunderland war veteran Len Gibson as he celebrates 101st birthday

Cancer charity Daft as a Brush have helped a Second World War veteran, who spent four years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, celebrate his 101st birthday.

By Ryan Smith

Published 3rd Jan 2021, 13:16 BST

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On his 101st birthday, Len Gibson was described as a “truly remarkable gent” by Daft as a Brush founder Brian Burnie as the cancer charity helped the veteran celebrate his special day on Sunday, January 3.

While serving his country in the Second World War, Mr Gibson was a member of the 125 Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery when he was captured by the Japanese in 1942 and remained a POW for the rest of the war.

Nearly 200 of the 125 Regiment died during captivity and now, Len is the lone survivor.

Sunderland veteran Len Gibson celebrates his 101st birthday.

Sunderland veteran Len Gibson celebrates his 101st birthday.

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Daft as a Brush were on hand to mark Len’s special day as they organised a birthday cake and card, along with standard bearers and a military bugler to play outside of Dairy Lane Nursing Home in Houghton, where Len is currently living.

Founder Brian Burnie said: “He is a gentleman who I have had the privilege to know for some 20 years or more from my days at Doxford Hall and who is greatly admired.

“Unfortunately, a couple of days ago he had a fall and lay in his bungalow for a couple of hours before he was discovered.

Len Gibson taking part in Daft as a Brush's 75th VJ Day celebrations in August. Photo: Tony Iley.

Len Gibson taking part in Daft as a Brush's 75th VJ Day celebrations in August. Photo: Tony Iley.

"Thankfully, he is now recovering and receiving respite care at Dairy Lane Nursing Home in Houghton.

“Not many people achieve such an amazing age, and the charity could not let this most special occasion of Len’s 101st birthday pass without making a fuss of him.”

Following his release from captivity, the veteran returned to his hometown of Sunderland a sick man and fell in love with one of the nurses, Ruby, who brought him back to health.

The couple spent their lives together before Ruby sadly passed away months before their 70th wedding anniversary.

Daft as a brush founder Brian Burnie (middle back row), with Bill Hall (Northumberland Fusiliers), Bob Bulmer (Standard Bearer Sunderland Fusiliers), Bob Hardy (Coldstream Guards), Brian Hindmarsh (Bugler) and Peter Stoten (DAAB Administrator) outside the Houghton care home where Len is currently living.

Daft as a brush founder Brian Burnie (middle back row), with Bill Hall (Northumberland Fusiliers), Bob Bulmer (Standard Bearer Sunderland Fusiliers), Bob Hardy (Coldstream Guards), Brian Hindmarsh (Bugler) and Peter Stoten (DAAB Administrator) outside the Houghton care home where Len is currently living.

Speaking at his 100th birthday party last year, Len said: “I didn’t think I’d live to be 100.

“For four years I was a prisoner of war. I was a slave. These were horrible times – they starved us and beat us and they didn’t even clothe us.

“But I would do all that again because I have had such a marvellous life afterwards.”

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Brian Burnie Sunderland Cancer