Former Metro tracks form poignant war memorial

A poignant new war memorial made using former Metro tracks has been unveiled in South Shields to honour British soldiers who served in the Far East during the Second World War.

Around ten metres of track and sleepers have been used to create a symbolic section of railway at North Marine Park in South Shields, commemorating those forced to build the infamous ‘Death Railway’ between Thailand and Myanmar, formerly Burma.

The memorial was officially unveiled during a ceremony marking Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on August 15.

It was created in memory of Sunderland soldier Len Gibson and his fellow prisoners of war.

Len was among around 60,000 Allied prisoners forced to work on the railway between 1942 and 1943.

The tracks complement a statue of Len commissioned by his close friend Brian Burnie, founder of cancer charity Daft as a Brush Patient Care, which provides free transport for cancer patients attending chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments.

Len died in 2021 aged 101, with Brian commissioning the statue as a tribute to his “wonderful” friend.

Brian 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.”

A team from Metro operator Nexus installed the railway section during a volunteer day as part of its support for community and social value projects.

Daft as a Brush was selected as Nexus employees’ chosen charity in 2024, with staff subsequently raising £10,000 for its work.

Cathy Massarella, managing director of Nexus, added: “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.” 

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