Who was Len Gibson and why is he being honored?

Len Gibson was a World War Two veteran who survived being a Japanese prisoner of war and is now honored with a statue for his bravery.

Where is the statue of Len Gibson located?

The nearly 9ft tall statue of Len Gibson is located in South Shields' North Marine Park.

What was the "Death Railway" Len Gibson helped build?

The "Death Railway" was built by Allied prisoners of war under Japanese command between Thailand and Myanmar from 1942 to 1943.

Home / War and Conflict / WWII Hero's Statue Unveiled in Favorite Park

WWII Hero's Statue Unveiled in Favorite Park

18 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A 9ft statue honors Len Gibson, a WWII veteran and former POW.
The sculpture is located in South Shields' North Marine Park.
Gibson survived three and a half years as a Japanese prisoner.

WWII Hero's Statue Unveiled in Favorite Park

A statue commemorating the life of World War Two veteran Len Gibson has been unveiled in South Shields' North Marine Park. The nearly 9ft tall sculpture honors Gibson, who endured three and a half years as a Japanese prisoner of war, often building the infamous "Death Railway" between Thailand and Myanmar.

The artwork was commissioned by Brian Burnie, founder of the cancer charity Daft as a Brush, as a tribute to his friend who passed away in 2021 at the age of 101. Over 100 people attended the ceremony, including veterans, to mark Gibson's life and the unveiling of the sculpture.

Gibson's son noted the park's significance, being near where his father would take the family in later years. The initiative aims to remember the "forgotten army" whose efforts in Asia were overshadowed by the war's end in Europe, ensuring their sacrifices are not overlooked.

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