THE story of a Second World War veteran who survived working on the "death railway" as a prisoner of war in far east has been turned into a film by the Royal British Legion.

Len Gibson, from West Herrington, near Houghton-le-Spring, survived the notoriously tough conditions on the Burma railway and Mergui Road during the three-and-a-half years he spent as a Far East Prisoner of War (FEPOW).

Mr Gibson, a retired teacher, who was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2019 for services to remembrance, celebrated his 101st birthday this month.

His story, which he turned into a book to give younger generations a glimpse of the horrendous conditions experienced by prisoners of war, has now been used for a short film by the Royal British Legion, which has created a series of interviews with veterans as part of its work to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the war.

The film was made for the legion by Martyn Cox, and features archived footage of British troops, which had been misfiled for decades.

Mr Cox said: "I've told Len's story and the story of all the far east prisoners of war. It's incredible when you think of what they went through.

"It's a serious subject and I've tried to make it for all of them."

Mr Gibson, who has been involved in organising VJ events in Sunderland for many years, was 19 when he signed up with 500 other men from the city to the Anti-Tank Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery.

Len Gibson, aged 19, when he signed up to the Sunderlands 125 Anti-Tank Regiment

Len Gibson, aged 19, when he signed up to the Sunderland's 125 Anti-Tank Regiment

Len Gibson, aged 19, after joining up

He was taken prisoner after his ship was attacked by the Japanese while on route to Singapore and ended up working on the infamous Burma railway – known as the Death Railway – before being sent to Mergui Road.

With little food and without proper clothing, they had to cut through the jungle to create a route for the Japanese Army. Despite punishing conditions, he helped keep morale up by entertaining the men with a guitar he crafted himself.

Nicola Meredith, the legion’s area manager, said: “We are very proud that Len has been included in this project. In 2020, we remembered the service and sacrifice made by so many people, communities and nations 75 years ago, but the end of the war didn’t mean the end of service and sacrifice for so many.

"Len’s story reminds us of the challenges faced and overcome by the Second World War generation, and the similarities they share with the world today.”

The film can be viewed here