Metro workers help build new war memorial in South Tyneside

A team of Metro workers have volunteered to help build a new war memorial in South Shields.

It has been created in memory of a North East soldier and his fellow prisoners who built the “Death Railway” between Thailand and Myanmar, formerly Burma, from 1942 to 1943.

The Nexus team carried out the project as part of a volunteer day, where staff support good causes and social value projects. 

Around ten metres of used Metro track has been used to create the new memorial.

It is located at the statue of Sunderland World War Two veteran Len Gibson, who was captured by Japan, which has stood in North Marine Park since late 2025.

A tele-handler was supplied from Sunbelt Rentals for free, and Titan Concrete offered a grab wagon and operator to help with the work. This was a collaboration with MGL group (Ground works) and Nexus (Rail installation) to deliver the works.

It is located at the statue of Sunderland World War Two veteran Len Gibson, who was captured by Japan, which has stood in North Marine Park since late 2025.

Stuart Clarke, Infrastructure Director at Nexus, said: “Nexus volunteer days help to deliver essential support for social value projects across the communities that we serve. I can’t think of a more worthy scheme than this new war memorial for South Shields.

“Our team have supported the construction of the tracks, creating a lasting memorial for Len Gibson and the many thousands of British soldiers who served in the Far East during the Second World War.

“The donation of the used Metro tracks is particularly poignant, given that British prisoners of war, including Mr Gibson, were forced to build the “Death Railway”, from 1942 to 1943.

“Our infrastructure team have really enjoyed supporting such a worthy project. We are looking forward to the completed memorial being officially unveiled.”

Mr Gibson was among 60,000 Allied prisoners forced to build the “Death Railway”. 

Local philanthropist Brian Burnie, who founded the cancer charity Daft as a Brush, commissioned the Len Gibson statue to pay tribute to his “wonderful” friend who died aged 101, in 2021.

Brian’s latest project has seen an area next to the statue transformed. Used rails and sleepers from the Metro system have created a symbolic memorial, honouring the sacrifice made by British soldiers held captive by Japan.

The aim is to unveil the finished piece on VJ Day, Victory over Japan Day, in August, when an opening ceremony is planned.

Mr Burnie said: “I cannot thank Nexus enough for their support. The donation of the used Metro rails has been absolutely vital. The volunteer day to install the track has been critical to the success of the project.

“The memorial will be amazing. It will be an extra part of the Len Gibson statue, representative of all those men who worked on the Burma railway when they were prisoners of war in the Far East.

“They are called the Forgotten Army and I want to redress that issue.”

Brian 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.

Nexus volunteers included:

• Phil Qualie (Production Supervisor)
• Mark Redhead (Works Supervisor)
• James Sykes (Project Technical Supervisor)
• Robbie Anderson (Technician Civils and Rail)
• Tony Green (Chargehand)
• Ray Duddin ( Chargehand)
• Paul Hitch (Plant Operator)
• Andy Buglass (Semi Skilled)
• Dan Ryan (Semi Skilled)
• Dylan Smith (Semi Skilled)
• Peter Cooney (Agency)
• Alan Exley (Agency)
• Ronnie Watson (Agency)
• Peter Wilkinson (Story Plant)